Patient Case History Demographic Information Chief Complaint History of Present Illness Past Medical History Medication History Social History Family History Assessment and Plan
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Indication : Used in emergencies such as anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, severe asthma, and bradycardia. Pediatric Dose : Anaphylaxis: 0.01 mg/kg IM (up to 0.3 mg) or 0.1 mg/mL solution; may repeat every 5-15 minutes as needed. Cardiac arrest: 0.01 mg/kg IV (up to 1 mg) every 3-5 minutes. Adult Dose : Anaphylaxis: 0.3-0.5 mg IM or SC every 5-15 minutes as needed. Cardiac arrest: 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes. Major Side Effects : Tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations, anxiety, tremors, arrhythmias. Major Drug Interactions : MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers. Contraindications : Hypersensitivity, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension.
Amikacin Indication : Used for serious gram-negative infections. Pediatric Dose : 15 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 8 hours (max 15 mg/kg/dose). Adult Dose : 15 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 8 hours (max 1.5 g/day). Major Side Effects : Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, neuromuscular blockade, hypersensitivity reactions. Major Drug Interactions : Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide), other nephrotoxic or ototoxic drugs. Contraindications : Hypersensitivity, pre-existing kidney or hearing impairment.
Isoniazid (INH) Indication : Treatment and prophylaxis of tuberculosis (TB). Pediatric Dose : 10-15 mg/kg/day orally (max 300 mg/day). Adult Dose : 5 mg/kg/day orally (max 300 mg/day). Major Side Effects : Hepatotoxicity (monitor liver function tests), peripheral neuropathy (especially in patients with poor nutrition or diabetes), drug-induced lupus syndrome. Major Drug Interactions : Alcohol (increased risk of hepatotoxicity), rifampicin (increased INH metabolism), phenytoin (decreased phenytoin levels). Contraindications : Severe liver disease, hypersensitivity to INH.
Rifampicin Indication : Treatment of tuberculosis, leprosy, and prophylaxis of meningococcal carriers. Pediatric Dose : 10-20 mg/kg/day orally or IV (max 600 mg/day). Adult Dose : 10 mg/kg/day orally or IV (max 600 mg/day). Major Side Effects : Hepatotoxicity (monitor liver function tests), orange discoloration of body fluids, flu-like syndrome, thrombocytopenia. Major Drug Interactions : Accelerates the metabolism of many drugs (e.g., oral contraceptives, warfarin, antiretrovirals ). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to rifamycins , severe liver disease
Pyrazinamide Indication : Treatment of tuberculosis. Pediatric Dose : 15-30 mg/kg/day orally (max 2 g/day). Adult Dose : 15-30 mg/kg/day orally (max 2 g/day). Major Side Effects : Hepatotoxicity, hyperuricemia (monitor uric acid levels), arthralgia, gastrointestinal upset. Major Drug Interactions : None significant. Contraindications : Severe liver disease, acute gout.
Ethambutol Indication : Treatment of tuberculosis. Pediatric Dose : 15-25 mg/kg/day orally (max 2.5 g/day). Adult Dose : 15-25 mg/kg/day orally (max 2.5 g/day). Major Side Effects : Optic neuritis (monitor visual acuity and color discrimination), hyperuricemia, gastrointestinal upset. Major Drug Interactions : None significant. Contraindications : Severe optic neuritis, hypersensitivity to ethambutol
Carbamazepine Indication : Treatment of partial seizures, generalized tonic- clonic seizures, and trigeminal neuralgia. Pediatric Dose : 10-20 mg/kg/day orally (max 400 mg/day). Adult Dose : Initial dose 200 mg twice daily, titrated up as needed (max 1200 mg/day). Major Side Effects : Dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia, nausea, rash, hyponatremia, hematological effects (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia). Major Drug Interactions : Enzyme inducer (decreases levels of many drugs including hormonal contraceptives, warfarin). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to carbamazepine, history of bone marrow suppression
Phenytoin Indication : Treatment of partial seizures, generalized tonic- clonic seizures. Pediatric Dose : 5-7 mg/kg/day orally or IV divided every 8-12 hours. Adult Dose : 300-400 mg/day orally or IV divided every 8-12 hours. Major Side Effects : Gingival hyperplasia, hirsutism, nystagmus, diplopia, ataxia, rash, hepatotoxicity, osteoporosis, megaloblastic anemia. Major Drug Interactions : Enzyme inducer (decreases levels of many drugs including hormonal contraceptives, warfarin), can displace other highly protein-bound drugs (e.g., phenytoin, warfarin). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to phenytoin, sinus bradycardia, heart block.
Valproic Acid Indication : Treatment of generalized seizures, absence seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine prophylaxis. Pediatric Dose : 15-60 mg/kg/day orally divided every 8-12 hours. Adult Dose : 20-30 mg/kg/day orally divided every 8-12 hours. Major Side Effects : Hepatotoxicity (especially in children under 2 years old), pancreatitis, weight gain, tremor, hair loss, thrombocytopenia. Major Drug Interactions : Inhibits metabolism of other drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine), increases levels of lamotrigine. Contraindications : Hepatic dysfunction, pancreatitis, hypersensitivity to valproic acid
Lamotrigine Indication : Treatment of partial seizures, generalized seizures, bipolar disorder. Pediatric Dose : Initially 0.15-0.6 mg/kg/day orally divided every 12 hours. Adult Dose : Initially 25 mg/day orally, titrated up as needed (max 400 mg/day). Major Side Effects : Rash (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis), dizziness, ataxia, diplopia, headache. Major Drug Interactions : Valproic acid (increases lamotrigine levels), enzyme inducers (decrease lamotrigine levels). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to lamotrigine, history of rash with other antiepileptic drugs
Diazepam Indication : Treatment of anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, seizures. Pediatric Dose : 0.04-0.1 mg/kg/dose orally or IV every 6-12 hours as needed. Adult Dose : 2-10 mg orally or IV every 6-12 hours as needed. Major Side Effects : Sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, respiratory depression (in high doses), paradoxical reactions (e.g., aggression, agitation), dependence, withdrawal symptoms. Major Drug Interactions : CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids), medications that inhibit CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, cimetidine), CNS stimulants (may decrease sedative effect). Contraindications : Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, severe respiratory insufficiency, hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines.
Lorazepam Indication : Treatment of anxiety disorders, agitation, status epilepticus, insomnia. Pediatric Dose : 0.05-0.1 mg/kg/dose orally or IV every 6-8 hours as needed. Adult Dose : 1-4 mg orally or IV every 4-6 hours as needed. Major Side Effects : Sedation, drowsiness, respiratory depression (in high doses), anterograde amnesia, paradoxical reactions, dependence, withdrawal symptoms. Major Drug Interactions : CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids), medications that inhibit CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, cimetidine). Contraindications : Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, severe respiratory insufficiency, hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines.
Alprazolam Indication : Treatment of anxiety disorders, panic disorder. Pediatric Dose : Not established; generally not recommended in children. Adult Dose : 0.25-0.5 mg orally 3 times daily, titrated up as needed (max 4 mg/day). Major Side Effects : Sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, cognitive impairment, paradoxical reactions, dependence, withdrawal symptoms. Major Drug Interactions : CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids), medications that inhibit CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, cimetidine). Contraindications : Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, severe respiratory insufficiency, hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines.
Cefixime - Third generation cephalosporin Indication : Treatment of respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, otitis media, and gonorrhea. Pediatric Dose : 8 mg/kg/day orally divided every 12 hours (max 400 mg/day). Adult Dose : 400 mg orally once daily or divided every 12 hours. Major Side Effects : Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions (e.g., rash, pruritus), headache. Major Drug Interactions : Probenecid (may increase cefixime levels), loop diuretics (may increase risk of nephrotoxicity). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins , penicillins , or any component of the formulation.
Cefadroxil - First generation cephalosporin. Indication : Treatment of skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, and pharyngitis. Pediatric Dose : 30 mg/kg/day orally divided every 12 hours (max 2 g/day). Adult Dose : 1-2 g orally once daily or divided every 12-24 hours. Major Side Effects : Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, allergic reactions (e.g., pruritus, urticaria). Major Drug Interactions : Probenecid (may increase cefadroxil levels), loop diuretics (may increase risk of nephrotoxicity). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins , penicillins , or any component of the formulation.
Cefuroxime - Second generation cephalosporin Indication : Treatment of respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, and Lyme disease. Pediatric Dose : 30 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 8 hours (max 1.5 g/day). Adult Dose : 750 mg to 1.5 g IV/IM every 8 hours. Major Side Effects : Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, allergic reactions (e.g., pruritus, urticaria), pseudomembranous colitis. Major Drug Interactions : Probenecid (may increase cefuroxime levels), loop diuretics (may increase risk of nephrotoxicity). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins , penicillins , or any component of the formulation.
Ceftriaxone - Third generation cephalosporin Indication : Treatment of respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, and Lyme disease. Pediatric Dose : 50-100 mg/kg/day IV/IM once daily (max 4 g/day). Adult Dose : 1-2 g IV/IM once daily. Major Side Effects : Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, allergic reactions (e.g., pruritus, urticaria), biliary sludging . Major Drug Interactions : Probenecid (may increase ceftriaxone levels), loop diuretics (may increase risk of nephrotoxicity). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins , penicillins , or any component of the formulation, neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
Cefepime - Fourth generation cephalosporin Indication : Treatment of moderate to severe infections including respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, and febrile neutropenia. Pediatric Dose : 50 mg/kg IV/IM every 8-12 hours (max 6 g/day). Adult Dose : 1-2 g IV/IM every 12 hours (max 6 g/day). Major Side Effects : Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, allergic reactions (e.g., pruritus, urticaria), seizures (especially in patients with renal impairment or high doses). Major Drug Interactions : Probenecid (may increase cefepime levels), loop diuretics (may increase risk of nephrotoxicity). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins , penicillins , or any component of the formulation.
Chlorpheniramine Indication : Treatment of allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and allergic conjunctivitis. Pediatric Dose : 0.1-0.4 mg/kg/day orally divided every 6-8 hours (max 12 mg/day). Adult Dose : 4 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed. Major Side Effects : Sedation, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention. Major Drug Interactions : CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids), MAO inhibitors (increased anticholinergic effects). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to chlorpheniramine , newborn or premature infants, breastfeeding mothers.
Cimetidine Indication : Treatment of peptic ulcer disease, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), Zollinger -Ellison syndrome. Pediatric Dose : 20-40 mg/kg/day orally divided every 6-8 hours (max 2.4 g/day). Adult Dose : 800-1600 mg orally divided every 6-8 hours. Major Side Effects : Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, gynecomastia, confusion (especially in elderly patients). Major Drug Interactions : Inhibits CYP450 enzymes, leading to increased levels of various drugs (e.g., warfarin, phenytoin, theophylline). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to cimetidine, severe liver or kidney dysfunction
Digoxin Indication : Treatment of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter. Pediatric Dose : 20-35 mcg/kg/day orally divided every 12-24 hours. Adult Dose : Loading dose: 0.75-1.5 mg orally divided into 2 or 3 doses; maintenance dose: 0.125-0.25 mg orally once daily. Major Side Effects : Arrhythmias (especially bradycardia and heart block), nausea, vomiting, anorexia, visual disturbances (e.g., blurred or yellow-tinted vision). Major Drug Interactions : Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics), calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, amiodarone (increased risk of bradycardia). Contraindications : Ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, hypersensitivity to digoxin
Dobutamine Indication : Treatment of heart failure and cardiogenic shock. Pediatric Dose : Not established; dosage based on individual patient response. Adult Dose : 2-20 mcg/kg/min IV infusion, titrated to patient response. Major Side Effects : Tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, headache, nausea, vomiting, peripheral ischemia. Major Drug Interactions : MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers (may attenuate effects of dobutamine ). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to dobutamine , idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
Dopamine Indication : Treatment of shock (e.g., septic shock, cardiogenic shock), heart failure, and acute renal failure. Pediatric Dose : Not established; dosage based on individual patient response. Adult Dose : 1-5 mcg/kg/min IV infusion, titrated to patient response. Major Side Effects : Tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, headache, nausea, vomiting, peripheral ischemia. Major Drug Interactions : MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, alpha-blockers (may potentiate effects of dopamine). Contraindications : Pheochromocytoma , ventricular fibrillation, hypersensitivity to dopamine
Ciprofloxacin Indication : Treatment of various bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections. Pediatric Dose : 10-20 mg/kg orally or IV every 12 hours (max 750 mg/dose). Adult Dose : 250-750 mg orally or IV every 12 hours, depending on the severity and type of infection. Major Side Effects : Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, tendon rupture (especially Achilles tendon), photosensitivity, QT prolongation, peripheral neuropathy. Major Drug Interactions : Antacids, iron supplements, calcium supplements (may decrease absorption of ciprofloxacin), NSAIDs (may increase risk of CNS stimulation and seizures), warfarin (may increase INR and risk of bleeding). Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics, tendon disorders (e.g., tendonitis, tendon rupture), myasthenia gravis
Moxifloxacin Indication : Treatment of respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and intra-abdominal infections. Pediatric Dose : Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients. Adult Dose : 400 mg orally or IV once daily for 5-14 days, depending on the type and severity of infection. Major Side Effects : Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, QT prolongation, photosensitivity, tendon disorders (including tendon rupture), peripheral neuropathy, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Major Drug Interactions : Antacids, iron supplements, calcium supplements (may decrease absorption of moxifloxacin ), NSAIDs (may increase risk of CNS stimulation and seizures), warfarin (may increase INR and risk of bleeding ) glucocorticoids. Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to moxifloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics, myasthenia gravis, severe liver disease.2
Furosemide Indication : Treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disease; management of hypertension. Pediatric Dose : 1-2 mg/kg orally or IV once or twice daily. Adult Dose : 20-80 mg orally or IV once or twice daily, with dosage adjustments based on response. Major Side Effects : Electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia), dehydration, hypotension, ototoxicity, hyperglycemia, photosensitivity. Major Drug Interactions : Digoxin (potentiates risk of hypokalemia and arrhythmias), aminoglycosides (potentiates risk of ototoxicity), NSAIDs (may reduce diuretic effect). Contraindications : Anuria, hypersensitivity to sulfonamides, severe electrolyte depletion
Lactulose Indication : Treatment of constipation, hepatic encephalopathy. Pediatric Dose : 2.5-10 mL (5-20 g) orally once or twice daily, titrated to produce 2-3 soft stools daily. Adult Dose : 15-30 mL (30-60 g) orally once or twice daily, titrated to produce 2-3 soft stools daily. Major Side Effects : Flatulence, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hypernatremia). Major Drug Interactions : None reported. Contraindications : Intestinal obstruction, galactosemia , hypersensitivity to lactulose
Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin) Indication : Treatment of respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, sexually transmitted infections, and atypical pathogens. Pediatric Dose : Varies depending on the specific macrolide and indication. Adult Dose : Varies depending on the specific macrolide and indication. Major Side Effects : Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation, allergic reactions (rash, anaphylaxis), Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Major Drug Interactions : CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., azole antifungals, protease inhibitors) increase macrolide levels, increasing risk of QT prolongation. Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to macrolides, concurrent use with ergot alkaloids, astemizole , terfenadine , cisapride ,
Metoclopramide Indication : Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetic gastroparesis, nausea, vomiting, and postoperative ileus. Pediatric Dose : 0.1-0.15 mg/kg orally or IV every 6-8 hours. Adult Dose : 10-15 mg orally or IV every 6-8 hours. Major Side Effects : Extrapyramidal symptoms (dystonia, tardive dyskinesia), sedation, diarrhea, hyperprolactinemia, QT prolongation. Major Drug Interactions : Dopamine antagonists (e.g., antipsychotics) may potentiate extrapyramidal symptoms, additive effects with other drugs causing CNS depression. Contraindications : Gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation, pheochromocytoma , history of tardive dyskinesia.
Morphine/Pethidine Indication : Treatment of moderate to severe pain. Pediatric Dose : Varies based on weight and indication. Adult Dose : Varies based on pain severity and patient response. Major Side Effects : Respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, hypotension. Major Drug Interactions : CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, alcohol) potentiate respiratory depression, MAO inhibitors increase risk of serotonin syndrome. Contraindications : Respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, paralytic ileus, hypersensitivity to opioids.
Nifedipine Indication : Treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Pediatric Dose : Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients. Adult Dose : Immediate-release: 10-20 mg orally 3 times daily; Extended-release: 30-60 mg orally once daily. Major Side Effects : Peripheral edema, headache, flushing, dizziness, reflex tachycardia, hypotension, gingival hyperplasia. Major Drug Interactions : CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics) increase nifedipine levels, leading to enhanced hypotensive effects. Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, severe hypotension, shock, acute myocardial infarction.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) Indication : Relief of pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, and mild to moderate acute pain. Pediatric Dose : Varies depending on the specific NSAID and indication; often based on weight and age. Adult Dose : Varies depending on the specific NSAID and indication. Major Side Effects : Gastrointestinal ulcers/bleeding, renal impairment, cardiovascular events (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke), allergic reactions (e.g., rash, anaphylaxis). Major Drug Interactions : Increased risk of bleeding with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, decreased effectiveness of antihypertensive medications, increased risk of renal toxicity with diuretics and ACE inhibitors. Contraindications : Active peptic ulcer disease, history of gastrointestinal bleeding, severe renal impairment, hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) Indication: Treatment of dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting, particularly in cases of acute gastroenteritis. Pediatric Dose: Based on the degree of dehydration and weight; typically 50-100 mL/kg over 3-4 hours for moderate dehydration. Adult Dose: Varies depending on the degree of dehydration and body weight. Major Side Effects: None significant when used as directed. Major Drug Interactions: None reported. Contraindications: Severe ileus, intestinal obstruction, inability to drink or maintain oral hydration
Penicillins Indication : Treatment of bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections. Pediatric Dose : Varies depending on the specific penicillin and indication; often based on weight and age. Adult Dose : Varies depending on the specific penicillin and indication. Major Side Effects : Allergic reactions (ranging from rash to anaphylaxis), gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), pseudomembranous colitis (with extended-spectrum penicillins ). Major Drug Interactions : Decreased effectiveness with probenecid (reduces renal excretion), increased risk of bleeding with anticoagulants. Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to penicillins , particularly in patients with a history of severe immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis)
Prednisolone Indication : Treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Pediatric Dose : Varies depending on the condition and severity; typically 0.1-2 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses. Adult Dose : Varies depending on the condition and severity; typically 5-60 mg/day orally in divided doses. Major Side Effects : Suppression of adrenal function, increased susceptibility to infections, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, fluid retention, psychiatric disturbances. Major Drug Interactions : Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with NSAIDs, decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, increased metabolism with inducers of cytochrome P450 enzymes (e.g., rifampicin). Contraindications : Systemic fungal infections, live virus vaccines, hypersensitivity to prednisolone or other corticosteroids
Salbutamol (Albuterol) Indication : Treatment of bronchospasm associated with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exercise-induced bronchospasm. Pediatric Dose : Nebulization: 2.5 mg every 4-6 hours as needed; Metered-dose inhaler: 100-200 mcg every 4-6 hours as needed. Adult Dose : Nebulization: 2.5-5 mg every 4-6 hours as needed; Metered-dose inhaler: 100-200 mcg every 4-6 hours as needed. Major Side Effects : Tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, headache, paradoxical bronchospasm, hypokalemia. Major Drug Interactions : Increased risk of cardiovascular effects with other sympathomimetic agents, increased risk of hypokalemia with diuretics. Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to salbutamol or other sympathomimetic agents, tachyarrhythmias , severe hypertension.
Vancomycin Indication : Treatment of serious bacterial infections including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, and certain Gram-positive infections. Pediatric Dose : 10-20 mg/kg orally or IV every 6-12 hours, depending on the severity and type of infection. Adult Dose : Oral: 125-500 mg every 6 hours; IV: 500 mg-2 g every 8-12 hours, depending on the severity and type of infection. Major Side Effects : Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, red man syndrome (with rapid IV infusion), thrombophlebitis, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia. Major Drug Interactions : Increased risk of nephrotoxicity with other nephrotoxic agents (e.g., aminoglycosides), increased risk of ototoxicity with other ototoxic agents. Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to vancomycin, pre-existing renal impairment, hypersensitivity to corn-derived excipients (for certain formulations)