OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utilization of vancomycin in a hospital, and provide reference for the rational use of vancomycin. METHODS: Retrospective survey was conducted for the medical records of 180 inpatients using vancomycin from Jan. to Jun., 2015 in the hospital. The general information, usage and dosage and pathogenic examination were summarized, domestic vancomycin rational use evaluation criteria was conducted to evaluate the medication rationality, summarize and analyze corresponding inappropriate questions. RESULTS: The vancomycin drug utilization index (DUI) of 180 cases was 0.88 (mainly elderly patients); the microbial test sample submission rate was 84.44% (152 cases); there were 74 cases (41.11%) about the drug combination; 32 cases (17.87%) about unauthorized use; 37 cases (20.56%) about inappropriate use, in which inappropriate solvent (12 cases, 32.43%) and inappropriate drug combination (11 cases, 29.73%) were the main types. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical application of vancomycin is good with no abusing phenomenon, and the microbial inspection rate is qualified in the hospital. But there still exists some problems or shortcomings when using vancomycin, it is necessary to further standardize the medication monitoring of vancomycin to ensure patients’ safety.