Vancomycin hydrochloride is primarily used as an antibiotic to treat serious bacterial infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. It is particularly effective against infections that are resistant to other antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This medication is often administered intravenously in hospital settings for conditions like sepsis, endocarditis, and skin or bone infections. It is also used in cases where patients have severe allergic reactions to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics. Additionally, vancomycin hydrochloride can be given orally to treat Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, a serious intestinal infection. Its use is carefully monitored due to potential side effects, including kidney damage and hearing loss.