Vancocin, known generically as vancomycin, is a powerful antibiotic medication primarily used to treat serious bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glycopeptide antibiotics, which work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by interfering with the production of their cell walls. Vancocin is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is often administered intravenously for systemic infections, but can also be given orally for infections of the digestive tract. Due to its potency and the risk of side effects, Vancocin is typically reserved for use when other antibiotics are ineffective or inappropriate.