Vancomycin Hydrochloride

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is a glycopeptide antibacterial indicated in adult and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age as follows: Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is indicated for the treatment of: Septicemia ( 1.1 ) Infective Endocarditis ( 1.2 ) Skin and Skin Structure Infections ( 1.3 ) Bone Infections ( 1.4 ) Lower Respiratory Tract Infections ( 1.5 ) Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered orally is indicated for the treatment of: Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea ( 1.6 ) Enterocolitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains) ( 1.7 ) Limitations of Use ( 1.8 ) Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is not approved for the treatment of C. difficile -associated diarrhea and enterocolitis caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus because it is not effective. Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered orally is not approved for the treatment of septicemia, infective endocarditis, skin and skin structure infections, bone infections and lower respiratory tract infections because it is not effective. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. ( 1.9 )

1.1 Septicemia Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is indicated in adults and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age for the treatment of septicemia due to: Susceptible isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase negative staphylococci. Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.2 Infective Endocarditis Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is indicated in adults and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age for the treatment of infective endocarditis due to: Susceptible isolates of MRSA. Viridans group streptococci Streptococcus gallolyticus (previously known as Streptococcus bovis ), Enterococcus species and Corynebacterium species. For enterococcal endocarditis, use Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection in combination with an aminoglycoside. Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins. Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is indicated in adults and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age for the treatment of early-onset prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis in combination with rifampin and an aminoglycoside.

1.3 Skin and Skin Structure Infections Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is indicated in adults and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections due to: Susceptible isolates of MRSA and coagulase negative staphylococci. Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.4 Bone Infections Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is indicated in adults and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age for the treatment of bone infections due to: Susceptible isolates of MRSA and coagulase negative staphylococci. Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.5 Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is indicated in adults and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections due to: Susceptible isolates of MRSA Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci in penicillin-allergic patients, or those patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to other drugs, including penicillins or cephalosporins.

1.6 Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered orally is indicated for the treatment of C. difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) in adult and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age.

1.7 Enterocolitis Caused by S. aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains) Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered orally is indicated for the treatment of enterocolitis caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in adults and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age.

1.8 Limitations of Use Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is not approved for the treatment of the following conditions because it is not effective: C. difficile -Associated Diarrhea Enterocolitis caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered orally is not approved for the treatment of the following conditions because it is not effective: Septicemia due to susceptible isolates of MRSA or methicillin-susceptible staphylococci Infective endocarditis due to susceptible isolates of MRSA, methicillin susceptible staphylococci, Viridans group streptococci Streptococcus gallolyticus , Enterococcus species and Corynebacterium species, or for the treatment of early-onset prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis in combination with rifampin and an aminoglycoside Skin and skin structure infections due to susceptible isolates of MRSA and methicillin susceptible staphylococci Bone infections due to susceptible isolates of MRSA and lower respiratory tract infections due to susceptible isolates of MRSA and methicillin susceptible staphylococci

1.9 Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is a sterile white, almost white to tan to brown, spray-dried powder in single-dose vials each containing vancomycin hydrochloride equivalent to 500 mg, 750 mg, 1 gram, 1.25 grams or 1.5 grams vancomycin base. Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is a sterile spray-dried powder for injection in single-dose vials containing vancomycin hydrochloride equivalent to 500 mg, 750 mg, 1 gram, 1.25 grams or 1.5 grams of vancomycin base ( 3 )

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to vancomycin and polysorbate 80. Hypersensitivity to vancomycin, and polysorbate 80 ( 4 )

Nephrotoxicity : Systemic vancomycin exposure may result in acute kidney injury (AKI) including acute renal failure, mainly due to interstitial nephritis or less commonly acute tubular necrosis. Monitor serum vancomycin concentrations and renal function in patients receiving Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection intravenously. Monitor renal function in patients over 65 years of age receiving Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection orally. ( 5.1 ) Ototoxicity : Ototoxicity has occurred in patients administered vancomycin intravenously or orally. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ototoxicity during oral or intravenous therapy. Assessment of auditory function may be appropriate in some instances. ( 5.2 ) Severe Dermatologic Reactions : Discontinue Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection at the first appearance of skin rashes, mucosal lesions, or blisters ( 5.3 ). Neutropenia : This has been reported in patients administered vancomycin intravenously or orally. Periodically monitor leukocyte count. ( 5.4 ) Infusion Reactions : Hypotension, including shock and cardiac arrest, wheezing, dyspnea, urticaria, muscular, chest pain and vancomycin infusion reaction which manifests as pruritus and erythema that involves the face, neck and upper torso may occur with rapid intravenous administration. To reduce the risk of infusion reactions, administer Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection in a diluted solution over a period of 60 minutes or greater and also prior to intravenous anesthetic agents. ( 2.1 , 5.5 ) Phlebitis : To reduce the risk of local irritation and phlebitis, administer Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection by a secure intravenous route of administration. ( 5.6 ) Clostridioides difficile- Associated Diarrhea : Evaluate patients if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.7 ) Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria : Prescribing Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug resistant bacteria. ( 5.9 )

5.1 Nephrotoxicity Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously or orally can result in acute kidney injury (AKI), including acute renal failure, mainly due to interstitial nephritis or less commonly acute tubular necrosis. AKI is manifested by increasing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr). The risk of AKI increases with higher vancomycin serum levels, prolonged exposure, concomitant administration of other nephrotoxic drugs, concomitant administration of piperacillin-tazobactam [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )] , volume depletion, pre-existing renal impairment and in critically ill patients and patients with co-morbid conditions that predispose to renal impairment. Monitor serum vancomycin concentrations and renal function in all patients receiving Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection intravenously. Nephrotoxicity (e.g., reports of renal failure, renal impairment, blood creatine increased) has occurred following oral vancomycin hydrochloride capsule therapy in randomized controlled clinical studies and can occur either during or after completion of therapy. The risk of nephrotoxicity is increased in patients >65 years of age [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 )] . In patients over 65 years of age, including those with normal renal function prior to treatment, renal function should be monitored during and following treatment with oral Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection therapy to detect potential vancomycin induced nephrotoxicity. More frequent monitoring is recommended in patients with comorbidities that predispose to impairment in renal function or are concomitantly receiving other nephrotoxic drugs, in critically ill patients, in patients with changing renal function, and in patients requiring higher therapeutic vancomycin levels. If acute kidney injury occurs, discontinue Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection or reduce the dose.

5.2 Ototoxicity Ototoxicity has occurred in patients administered vancomycin intravenously or orally. It may be transient or permanent. Ototoxicity manifests as tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness or vertigo. The risk is higher in older patients, patients who are receiving higher doses, who have an underlying hearing loss, who are receiving concomitant therapy with another ototoxic agent, such as an aminoglycoside or who have underlying renal impairment. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ototoxicity during oral or intravenous therapy with Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection. Discontinue Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection if ototoxicity occurs. Serial tests of auditory function may be helpful in order to minimize the risk of ototoxicity.

5.3 Severe Dermatologic Reactions Severe dermatologic reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) have been reported in association with the use of vancomycin. Cutaneous signs or symptoms reported include skin rashes, mucosal lesions, and blisters. Discontinue Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection at the first appearance of signs and symptoms of TEN, SJS, DRESS, AGEP, or LABD.

5.4 Neutropenia Reversible neutropenia has been reported in patients administered vancomycin intravenously or orally. Patients who will undergo prolonged therapy with Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection or those who are receiving concomitant drugs which may cause neutropenia should have periodic monitoring of the leukocyte count.

5.5 Infusion Reactions Hypotension, including shock and cardiac arrest, wheezing, dyspnea, urticaria, muscular and chest pain may occur with rapid Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection intravenous administration. The reactions may be more severe in younger patients, particularly children, and in patients receiving concomitant muscle relaxant anesthetics. Rapid intravenous administration of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection may also be associated with vancomycin infusion reaction, which manifests as pruritus and erythema that involves the face, neck and upper torso. Infusion-related adverse reactions are related to both the concentration and the rate of administration of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection. Infusion-related adverse reactions may occur, however, at any rate or concentration. Administer Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection in a diluted solution over a period of 60 minutes or greater to reduce the risk of infusion-related adverse reactions. In selected patients in need of fluid restriction, a concentration up to 10 mg/mL may be used; use of such higher concentrations may increase the risk of infusion-related adverse reactions [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.2 )] . Administer prior to intravenous anesthetic agents when feasible. Stop the infusion if a reaction occurs.

5.6 Phlebitis and Adverse Reactions with Unapproved Routes of Administration Inflammation at the site of injection of vancomycin has been reported. Vancomycin is irritating to tissue and must be given by a secure intravenous route of administration to reduce the risk of local irritation and phlebitis. Thrombophlebitis may occur, the frequency and severity of which can be minimized by slow infusion of the drug and by rotation of venous access sites. Administration of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection by intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal, intrathecal intraventricular, or intravitreal routes has not been approved and is not recommended. The safety and efficacy of vancomycin administered by these routes of administration have not been established by adequate and well controlled trials. Pain, tenderness, and necrosis occur with IM injection of vancomycin or with inadvertent extravasation. […]

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Ototoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Severe Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Infusion Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] The common adverse reactions following intravenously, and orally administered vancomycin were acute kidney injury, hearing loss, neutropenia, anaphylaxis, vancomycin infusion reaction. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions of orally administered vancomycin (> 10%) were nausea, abdominal pain, and hypokalemia ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Avenacy at 1-855-283-6229 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Intravenously and Orally Administered Vancomycin The following adverse reactions associated with the use of intravenously and orally administered vancomycin were identified in clinical trials: Renal and urinary disorders: Acute kidney injury and interstitial nephritis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Ear and labyrinth disorders: Tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Erythema (especially of the face, neck and upper torso) and pruritus which are manifestations of rashes including exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Agranulocytosis, neutropenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and vancomycin infusion reaction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] General disorders and administration site conditions: General discomfort, fever, chills, phlebitis, injection site irritation, injection site pain and necrosis following intramuscular injection, chemical peritonitis following intraperitoneal administration. Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is not approved for intramuscular and intraperitoneal administration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Gastrointestinal disorders: Pseudomembranous colitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Cardiac disorders: Cardiac arrest, chest pain Laboratory abnormalities: Elevated blood urea nitrogen, elevated serum creatinine Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Muscle pain Nervous system disorders: Dizziness Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Wheezing, dyspnea Vascular disorders: Hypotension, shock, vasculitis Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Oral Administration of Vancomycin Hydrochloride Capsules The data described below reflect exposure to vancomycin hydrochloride capsules in 260 adult subjects in two Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of diarrhea associated with C. difficile . In both trials, subjects received vancomycin hydrochloride capsules 125 mg orally four times daily. The mean duration of treatment was 9.4 days. The median age of patients was 67, ranging between 19 and 96 years of age. Patients were predominantly Caucasian (93%) and 52% were male. Adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of vancomycin hydrochloride capsules-treated subjects are shown in Table 2 . The most common adverse reactions associated with vancomycin hydrochloride capsules (≥10%) were nausea, abdominal pain, and hypokalemia. Table 2: Common (≥5%) Adverse Reactions a for Vancomycin Hydrochloride Capsules Reported in Clinical Trials for Treatment of Diarrhea Associated with C. difficile a Adverse reaction rates were derived from the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. System/Organ Class Adverse Reaction Vancomycin Hydrochloride Capsule % (N=260) Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea Abdominal pain Vomiting Diarrhea Flatulence 17 15 9 9 8 General disorders and administration site conditions Pyrexia Edema peripheral Fatigue 9 6 5 Infections and infestations Urinary tract infection 8 Metabolism and nutrition disorders Hypokalemia 13 Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Back pain 6 Nervous system disorders Headache 7 Nephrotoxicity (e.g., reports of renal failure, renal impairment, blood creatinine increased) occurred in 5% of subjects treated with vancomycin hydrochloride capsules. Nephrotoxicity following vancomycin hydrochloride capsules typically first occurred within one week after completion of treatment (median day of onset was Day 16). Nephrotoxicity following vancomycin hydrochloride capsules occurred in 6% of subjects >65 years of age and 3% of subjects ≤65 years of age. The incidences of hypokalemia, urinary tract infection, peripheral edema, insomnia, constipation, anemia, depression, vomiting, and hypotension were higher among subjects >65 years of age than in subjects ≤65 years of age. Discontinuation of study drug due to adverse events occurred in 7% of subjects treated with vancomycin hydrochloride capsules. The most common adverse events leading to discontinuation of vancomycin hydrochloride capsules were C. difficile colitis (<1%), nausea (<1%), and vomiting (<1%).

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postmarketing use of vancomycin (administered orally and intravenously). Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders : Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Ototoxicity: Cases of hearing loss associated with intravenously administered vancomycin have been reported. Most of these patients had kidney dysfunction or a preexisting hearing loss or were receiving concomitant treatment with an ototoxic drug [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Vertigo, dizziness, and tinnitus have been reported. Hematopoietic: Reversible neutropenia, usually starting 1 week or more after onset of intravenous therapy with vancomycin or after a total dose of more than 25 g, has been reported for several dozen patients. Neutropenia appears to be promptly reversible when vancomycin is discontinued. Thrombocytopenia has been reported. Miscellaneous: Patients have been reported to have had anaphylaxis, drug fever, chills, nausea, eosinophilia, and cases of vasculitis in association with the administration of vancomycin. A condition has been reported with oral vancomycin that is similar to the intravenous vancomycin-induced syndrome with symptoms consistent with anaphylactoid reactions, including hypotension, wheezing, dyspnea, urticaria, pruritus, flushing of the upper body (“vancomycin infusion reaction”), pain and muscle spasm of the chest and back [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . These reactions usually resolve within 20 minutes but may persist for several hours.

Anesthetic Agents : Concomitant administration of vancomycin and anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing. ( 2.1 , 7.1 ) Piperacillin/Tazobactam : Increased incidence of acute kidney injury in patients administered concomitant piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin as compared to vancomycin alone. Monitor kidney function in patients ( 7.2 )

7.1 Anesthetic Agents Concomitant administration of vancomycin and anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] .

7.2 Piperacillin-Tazobactam Studies have detected an increased incidence of acute kidney injury in patients administered concomitant piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin as compared to vancomycin alone. Monitor kidney function in patients receiving concomitant piperacillin/tazobactam and Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection. No pharmacokinetic interactions have been noted between piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin.

7.3 Ototoxic and/or Nephrotoxic Drugs Concurrent and/or sequential systemic or topical use of other potentially, neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic drugs requires more frequent monitoring of renal function.

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on vancomycin use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Available published data on vancomycin use in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters have not shown an association with adverse pregnancy related outcomes (see Data ) . Vancomycin did not show adverse developmental effects when administered intravenously to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses less than or equal to the recommended maximum human dose (see Data ) . Systemic absorption of vancomycin is low following oral administration of vancomycin hydrochloride capsules; however, absorption may vary depending on various factors [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data A published study evaluated hearing loss and nephrotoxicity in infants of 10 pregnant intravenous drug users treated with intravenously administered vancomycin for suspected or documented methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus-aureus (MRSA) infections in the second or third trimester. The comparison groups were 10 non-intravenous drug-dependent patients who received no treatment, and 10 untreated intravenous drug-dependent patients who served as substance abuse controls. No infant in the vancomycin exposed group had abnormal sensorineural hearing at 3 months of age or nephrotoxicity. A published prospective study assessed outcomes in 55 pregnant women with a positive Group B streptococcus (GBS) culture and a high-risk penicillin allergy with resistance to clindamycin or unknown sensitivity who were administered vancomycin intravenously at the time of delivery. Vancomycin dosing ranged from the standard 1 g intravenously every 12 hours to 20 mg/kg intravenous every 8 hours (maximum individual dose 2 g). No major adverse reactions were recorded either in the mothers or their newborns. None of the newborns had sensorineural hearing loss. Neonatal renal function was not examined, but all of the newborns were discharged in good condition. Animal Data Vancomycin did not cause fetal malformations when administered during organogenesis to pregnant rats (gestation days 6 to 15) and rabbits (gestation days 6 to 18) at the equivalent recommended maximum human dose (based on body surface area comparisons) of 200 mg/kg/day IV to rats or 120 mg/kg/day IV to rabbits 1 . No effects on fetal weight or development were seen in rats at the highest dose tested or in rabbits given 80 mg/kg/day (approximately 1 and 0.8 times the recommended maximum human dose based on body surface area, respectively). Maternal toxicity was observed in rats (at doses 120 mg/kg and above) and rabbits (at 80 mg/kg and above). There were no oral embryo-fetal toxicity studies conducted in animals with this Vancomycin Injection product.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Vancomycin is present in human milk following intravenous administration, however, there are insufficient data to inform the levels. There are no available data on vancomycin presence in milk following oral administration. Systemic absorption of vancomycin is low following oral administration of vancomycin hydrochloride capsules; however, absorption may vary depending on various factors [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . There are no data on the effects of vancomycin on the breastfed infant or milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered intravenously is indicated in pediatric patients less than 18 years of age for the treatment of septicemia, infective endocarditis, skin and skin structure infections, bone infections and lower respiratory tract infections [see Indications and Usage ( 1.1 to 1.5 ) and Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administered orally is indicated in pediatric patients less than 18 years of age for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea and enterocolitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains) [see Indications and Usage ( 1.6 , 1.7 ) and Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . In pediatric patients, monitor vancomycin serum concentration and renal function when administering Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection intravenously [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . More severe infusion related reactions related to Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection administration may occur in pediatric patients. Concomitant administration of vancomycin and intravenous anesthetic agents has been associated with erythema and histamine-like flushing in all patients including pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] .

8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies with another vancomycin hydrochloride drug product in C. difficile -associated diarrhea have demonstrated that geriatric subjects are at increased risk of developing nephrotoxicity following treatment with oral vancomycin hydrochloride, which may occur during or after completion of therapy. In patients over 65 years of age, including those with normal renal function prior to treatment, renal function should be monitored during and following treatment with Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection to detect potential vancomycin induced nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Patients over 65 years of age may take longer to respond to therapy compared to patients 65 years of age and younger. Clinicians should be aware of the importance of appropriate duration of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection treatment in patients over 65 years of age and not discontinue or switch to alternative treatment prematurely. Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] , and it may be useful to monitor renal function [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .

8.6 Renal Impairment Dosage adjustment must be made in patients with impaired renal function [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . Measure trough vancomycin serum concentrations to guide intravenous therapy, especially in seriously ill patients with changing renal function.

Vancomycin is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )] .