Clostridiodes difficile infection (C. diff) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections in the U.S., leading to 29,300 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.(1) A recent study at a North Carolina hospital investigated whether oral vancomycin, given prophylactically, would prevent healthcare facility-onset Clostridiodes difficile infection in patients at high risk.(2)
Risk factors for C. diff infection include stay in a healthcare facility, advanced age (over 65), a weakened immune system, being treated with an antibiotic, particularly fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penicillin, and clindamycin. Proton pump inhibitors, used to reduce stomach acid, also increase risk.(3)
In the study, 100 patients were randomized to received oral vancomycin while receiving systemic antibiotics and continuing five days post completion of systemic antibiotics, or no prophylaxis. No patients who had received the oral vancomycin developed C. diff, compared to six (12%) in the no prophylaxis group.(2)
The study concluded, “Oral vancomycin prophylaxis appears to protect against Healthcare Facility-Onset Clostridiodes difficile infection in targeted patients during systemic antibiotic exposure.”(2)
Edge Pharma produces unit dose oral vancomycin solution for use in hospitals. Because it is imperative for all acute care facilities to keep a stock of oral vancomycin on hand, our prefilled, unit dose oral syringes provide an excellent solution. Designed specifically for oral administration, this product is available in a convenient dosage of 125mg.
(1) Centers for Disease Control, Clostridiodes Difficile, https://www.cdc.gov/
(2) Johnson, S. PharmD, Brown, S., Priest, D. M.D., MPH, Oxford University Press, The Effectiveness of Oral Vancomycin for Prevention of Healthcare Facility-Onset Clostridiodes Difficile in Targeted Patients During Systemic Antibiotic Exposure, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(3) Mayo Clinic, C. Difficile Infection, https://www.mayoclinic.org/
