What is vancomycin used for?

Vancomycin belongs to a group of antibiotics called glycopeptides. Bacteria have an external cell wall that is reinforced by molecules called peptidoglycans. The cell wall is vital for protection against the normal environment of the body in which the bacteria live. Vancomycin works by blocking the formation of these peptidoglycans. By doing this the walls of the bacteria become weak and it results in the death of the bacteria. Vancomycin injection is used to treat serious infections of the body including infections of the heart and blood.