"Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It is recommended intravenously as a treatment for complicated skin infections, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, bone and joint infections, and meningitis caused by methicillin-resistant, Staphylococcus aureus. Blood levels could also be measured to work out the right dose. Vancomycin is additionally recommended orally as a treatment for severe Clostridium difficile colitis. When taken orally it's very poorly absorbed.

Common side effects include pain within the area of injection and allergies. Occasionally, deafness, low vital signs, or bone marrow suppression occurred. Safety in pregnancy isn't clear, but no evidence of harm has been found, and it's likely safe to be used when breastfeeding. It is a kind of glycopeptide antibiotic and works by blocking the development of a cell membrane."