Vancomycin
Visual lesson on Vancomycin — space setting, the Van, C. diff, and the antibiotic wizard.
Key Medical Facts
💊 Drugs
Vancomycin
Glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding D-Ala-D-Ala on peptidoglycan precursors
The purple van in the galaxy
🫀 Anatomy
D-Ala-D-Ala
The terminal dipeptide on peptidoglycan precursors that vancomycin binds to block cell wall cross-linking
The gALAxy — 'ALA' hints at D-Ala-D-Ala
🦠 Diseases
VRE (Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus)
Resistance occurs when bacteria swap D-Ala-D-Ala to D-Ala-D-Lac, preventing vancomycin binding
Spilled yogurt (lactate) = D-Ala-D-Lac resistance
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus — a key indication for vancomycin when other drugs fail
The wizard's big shield
C. difficile
Oral vancomycin is first-line for C. diff colitis — stays in gut lumen, doesn't absorb well
The stinky diaper alien with STOP sign
🤒 Symptoms
Red Man Syndrome
Flushing from histamine release (pseudo-allergic, not IgE-mediated) — fix by slowing infusion + antihistamines
The bright red passenger in the van
Nephrotoxicity
Kidney damage — monitor vancomycin levels, avoid combining with other nephrotoxic drugs
The guy peeing mid-flight in the van
Ototoxicity
Hearing damage, tinnitus — 'the van's music is too loud'
The loud speaker system blasting music
💉 Treatments
Oral Vancomycin for C. diff
Oral route keeps drug in gut lumen (poor absorption) to directly target C. diff infection
STOP sign on the C. diff alien
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