Pharmacokinetics of vancomycin.

Vancomycin is poorly absorbed when administered by mouth and, for systemic infections, must be given intravenously. The pharmacokinetics of vancomycin have been well defined in a number of recent studies in man. Since the drug is excreted primarily via the kidneys, dosage modification is imperative in patients with impaired renal function. With the possible exception of aqueous humour and cerebrospinal fluid, vancomycin penetrates well into most body fluids. It appears that excessively high serum concentrations of vancomycin may be associated with ototoxicity. It has not been possible to relate the development of nephrotoxicity to determined previously serum concentrations of vancomycin.