Final answer:
Vancomycin is given intravenously because it has poor oral absorption and cannot effectively reach the site of infection when taken orally. Intravenous administration allows for higher and more consistent levels of the drug in the body, ensuring it reaches therapeutic concentrations at the site of infection. Intravenous administration also minimizes gastrointestinal side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vancomycin is given intravenously instead of in pill form because it has poor oral absorption. This means that when taken orally, vancomycin is not effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it cannot reach the site of infection and exert its antimicrobial effects. By administering vancomycin intravenously, it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and is directly delivered into the bloodstream. This allows for higher and more consistent levels of the drug in the body, ensuring that it reaches therapeutic concentrations at the site of infection. Additionally, vancomycin can cause gastrointestinal side effects when taken orally, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects are minimized by administering the drug intravenously.