[Pharmacokinetic characteristics and antimicrobial spectrum of teicoplanin]

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic with similar spectrum to vancomycin. Its long half-life permits administration in a single daily dose. The adverse effects of teicoplanin are less frequent than those of vancomycin. Rash and local intolerance are the most frequent. Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci and Enterococcus sp. are susceptible to teicoplanin. Clinical data have shown teicoplanin to be less nephrotoxic than vancomycin when combined with amino glycosides. Teicoplanin, alone or in combination with additional antibacterial drugs, has proven to be effective in the treatment of several Gram-positive infections, such as sepsis, bone and joint infections, endocarditis and skin and soft tissue infections. Clinical efficacy was obtained in more than 90% of the patients treated. Similar data have been reported in adults, children and elderly patients. Due to its easy administration and dosage, teicoplanin is a treatment of choice for outpatient parenteral therapies.