Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Antimicrobial substance produced by the growth of certain strains of Streptomyces
orientalis. Effective against Streptococcus pyogenes and Str. pneumoniea and against most
strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Not recommended for routine treatment or in mild
infections but is specifically indicated in patients critically ill with staphylococcal
infections resistant to the commonly used antibiotics and for patients who are allergic to
penicillin. Normally given by slow intravenous injection. Inhibits mucopeptide production
by formation of complexes.

SYNONYMS

C66-H75-Cl2-N9-O24, "vancocine hydrochloride", "vancocin hydrochloride", hydrate,
Diatracin, "Vancocina CP", Voncon, Enterocaps, Fibrantil, Lyphocin, Vancor, "amphoteric
glycopeptide antibiotic"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful to aquatic organisms.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  There is some evidence that material may produce eye irritation in some persons and produce eye damage 24 hours or more after instillation. Moderate inflammation may be expected with redness; conjunctivitis may occur with prolonged exposure.  

SKIN

  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  Zwitterionic (amphoteric) surfactants appear to decrease skin barrier function to some extent. It has been suggested that these surfactants (typically betaines and sulfobetaines) may solubilise stratum corneum lipids. Studies confirm that dermal LD50s of certain substances may be reduced in the presence of these surfactants. (Ridout et al; Sciences Vol 16 pp 41-50 - 1990).  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Exposure to small quantities may induce hypersensitivity reactions characterized by acute bronchospasm, hives (urticaria), deep dermal wheals (angioneurotic edema), running nose (rhinitis) and blurred vision . Anaphylactic shock and skin rash (non-thrombocytopenic purpura) may occur. An individual may be predisposed to such anti-body mediated reaction if other chemical agents have caused prior sensitization (cross-sensitivity).  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  Thrombophlebitis has been a common complication of  vancomycin therapy.  Febrile reactions with rigors and macular rashes have occurred; eosinophilia,  anaphylactic reactions and alterations in kidney function have also been  reported. High blood concentrations of vancomycin or prolonged treatment  may produce deafness which may be irreversible; it is sometimes preceded  by tinnitus.  At maternally toxic doses vancomycin produces decreased foetal body  weight.