IV Vancomycin given orally 2 save $$$

[Kelly_the_Great]

Have any of you heard of given IV prepared Vancomycin to patients orally in order to save money? Could be for them or hospital.

Any ways we have a doctor you recommended and now we're trying to find some info on it. So far all I found is a Johs Hopkins article stating it (w/o notable reference) and info on the Angry Pharmacist.

Please let me know if any of you perform this at your hospital or if you recommend to the patient to use it following discharge.

Thanks,

[morte, LPN, LVN]

the pharmacist at work last noc was kind enough to give me the package insert from the bulk pack of IV Vanco, which includes directions for PO use "Oral vancomycin is used in treating antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis caused by C. difficile and for staphylococcal enterocolitis. Vancomycin is not effective by the oral route for other types of infections. The usual adult total daily dosage is 500 mg to 2g given in 3 or 4 divided doses for 7 to 10 days. The total daily dose should not exceed 2G. The appropriate dose may be diluted in 1 oz of water and given to the patient to drink. The diluted material may be administered via nasogastric tube. Common flavoring syrups may be added to the solution to improve the taste for oral administration."