Abstract

We recommended that the total dose of vancomycin should be infused over 20–30 minutes. At this rate however, a histamine-mediated reaction may occur (the “red man” syndrome). The manufacturer has recently modified the dosage recommendations and now advises that when an intermittent infusion of vancomycin is to be given, the total dose should be infused over a period of at least 60 minutes (Moore BJ. Lancet 1985; 2: 39).