Uses

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic indicated for serious infections caused by gram-positive organisms, including skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, septicemia, endocarditis, and bone and joint infections caused by susceptible organisms including MRSA.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to teicoplanin or other glycopeptide antibiotics (cross-reactivity with vancomycin may occur).

Side effects

Side effects include injection site reactions, hypersensitivity reactions (rash, fever, anaphylaxis), nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, blood dyscrasias (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), and elevated liver enzymes.

Warnings

Monitor renal function and blood counts during prolonged therapy. Use with caution in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function. Therapeutic drug monitoring may be required in serious infections or renal impairment.

How it works

Teicoplanin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of peptidoglycan precursors, preventing their incorporation into the growing cell wall. It is bactericidal against most gram-positive organisms and has a long half-life enabling once-daily dosing.

Storage

Store below 25°C. Reconstituted solution should be used within 24 hours if stored at 2–8°C.