Non-inpatient use of teicoplanin

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic which was introduced into clinical use in 1988. Its activity against most Gram-positive bacteria, including the emergent multiply resistant species, its ease of administration and safety commend its continued use well into the next millennium. The provision of health care in alternative settings such as the home or outpatient clinic has grown in importance, both in Europe and North America. One such service is the provision of parenteral antibiotics for treating a variety of infections in the non-inpatient setting. This paper aims to review and condense the current published experience of teicoplanin in this setting. Evidence suggests that teicoplanin can be administered effectively using a range of flexible, convenient and safe dosing schedules and is a highly cost-effective therapeutic option for treating in the non-inpatient setting many chronic infections e.g. osteomyelitis and endocarditis, and some acute infections.