Last reviewed · How we verify

Vancomycin with Taper/Pulse

VA Office of Research and Development · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Vancomycin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to D-Ala-D-Ala peptidoglycan precursors, and a taper/pulse dosing regimen modulates exposure to reduce toxicity while maintaining efficacy.

Vancomycin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to D-Ala-D-Ala peptidoglycan precursors, and a taper/pulse dosing regimen modulates exposure to reduce toxicity while maintaining efficacy. Used for Serious gram-positive bacterial infections (e.g., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA), Clostridium difficile infection, Endocarditis.

At a glance

Generic nameVancomycin with Taper/Pulse
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development
Drug classGlycopeptide antibiotic
TargetBacterial peptidoglycan (D-Ala-D-Ala)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that prevents cross-linking of peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis and death. The taper/pulse dosing strategy involves gradually reducing or intermittently administering the drug to minimize cumulative nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity while preserving antimicrobial activity, particularly useful in chronic or recurrent infections.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: