Abstract

Sai Charitha Sreeram*, V. Bhavya, P. Lakshmi and D. Ranganayakulu

ABSTRACT

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic active against gram positive bacterial infections. It is commonly used to treat Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections. Most important adverse reaction with vancomycin is hypersensitivity reaction. It is of two types, one is anaphylaxis and other Red Man syndrome (RMS). RMS is also known as “red neck syndrome. It is more common with rapid infusion of Vancomycin. RMS is usually presents with pruritus, erythematous rash commonly involving head, neck and upper part of body and less frequently with chest pain, hypotension and cardiovascular collapse. Discontinuation of antibiotic and treatment with antihistaminic can abort most of the reactions. Slow intravenous administration of vancomycin should minimize the risk of infusion-related adverse effects. This case concerns an elderly man who developed a 'Red Man Syndrome' reaction whilst on intravenous vancomycin therapy for Chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD).