Role of vancomycin continuous infusions in young infants and children

Vancomycin continuous infusion is an alternative to intermittent dosing, particularly for young infants aged 0 to 90 days and children who:

• are critically ill
• have confirmed Staphylococcus aureus in whom monitoring using an area under the concentration–time curve over a 24-hour period (AUC₂₄) is not possible.

Vancomycin continuous infusion in young infants and children increases the likelihood of achieving therapeutic plasma concentrations, achieves therapeutic plasma concentrations more quickly and requires fewer blood samples for monitoring, without an increase in adverse effectsGwee, 2019. If considering a vancomycin continuous infusion, ensure that the young infant or child has adequate line access.