Vancomycin should be infused over at least 60 minutes to help prevent which reaction?

Vancomycin should be infused over at least 60 minutes to help prevent which reaction?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Red man syndrome
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Seizures

Answer: (B)

Slowing the vancomycin infusion helps prevent a histamine-mediated reaction called red man syndrome. When vancomycin is given too quickly, mast cells release histamine in the skin, causing flushing of the face and upper body, itching, and sometimes a rash or even a drop in blood pressure. Infusing over at least 60 minutes lowers peak histamine exposure, reducing these symptoms. Hyperkalemia and seizures aren’t related to the infusion rate, and while hypotension can occur as part of red man syndrome, the slower infusion mainly targets preventing that histamine-driven reaction.

Slowing the vancomycin infusion helps prevent a histamine-mediated reaction called red man syndrome. When vancomycin is given too quickly, mast cells release histamine in the skin, causing flushing of the face and upper body, itching, and sometimes a rash or even a drop in blood pressure. Infusing over at least 60 minutes lowers peak histamine exposure, reducing these symptoms. Hyperkalemia and seizures aren’t related to the infusion rate, and while hypotension can occur as part of red man syndrome, the slower infusion mainly targets preventing that histamine-driven reaction.