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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
11:56
Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
Published on: October 25, 2013
Inappropriate vancomycin prescribing based on criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
S V Johnson1, L L Hoey, K Vance-Bryan
1College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
Pharmacotherapy
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Concerns about vancomycin resistance highlight the need for prudent antibiotic use. A study found significant inappropriate vancomycin prescribing, indicating a need for physician education on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Antimicrobial Stewardship
Background:
- Growing vancomycin resistance poses a threat to treating Gram-positive infections.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established criteria for judicious vancomycin use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate vancomycin prescribing patterns at an institution based on CDC criteria.
- To identify the appropriateness of vancomycin use in hospitalized patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 135 hospitalized patients treated with vancomycin.
- Analysis of prescribing patterns against established CDC guidelines for vancomycin use.
Main Results:
- 60% of patients received vancomycin inappropriately as empiric therapy.
- 21% of patients continued to receive vancomycin inappropriately after culture results were available.
Conclusions:
- Vancomycin prescribing patterns at the institution did not align with CDC guidelines.
- Substantial educational initiatives are necessary to improve physician adherence to CDC vancomycin recommendations.
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