Vancomycin pharmacokinetics in patients undergoing chronic intermittent peritoneal dialysis.

The pharmacokinetics of vancomycin were studied during six episodes of peritonitis in four patients with chronic renal failure managed with chronic intermittent peritoneal dialysis. Following intravenous administration of vancomycin peritoneal concentrations ranged from undetectable to 22.5 micrograms/ml, and were 0-96% (mean 27%) of simultaneous serum concentrations. In view of the unpredictable penetration of vancomycin from serum into peritoneal fluid, we recommend that therapy for peritonitis due to staphylococci in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis should include intraperitoneal administration of vancomycin.