What is Teicoplanin? 

Teicoplanin is a bactericidal, glycopeptide antibiotic, produced by fermentation of Actinoplanes teichomyceticus. It is active against both aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria.  

How does Teicoplanin work?

Teicoplanin belongs to a group of antibiotics called glycopeptides. Bacteria have an external cell wall that is reinforced by molecules called peptidoglycans. The cell wall is vital for protection against the normal environment of the body in which the bacteria live. 

Teicoplnin works by blocking the formation of these peptidoglycans. By doing this the walls of the bacteria become weak and this results in the death of the bacteria.  

What is Teicoplanin used for? 

Teicoplanin is used to treat serious infections of the heart and blood. It is not absorbed from the gut and is therefore only given by injection or infusion.

Teicoplanin is mainly used in moderate to severe infections with Gram-positive organisms.

Inflammation of the lining of the heart cavity and heart valves due to infection (endocarditis)

Prevention of severe infection (usually after surgery)

Treatment of serious staphylococcal bacterial infections

Teicoplanin is extremely useful in the following clinical situations:

Severe lower respiratory tract infections with presumed or documented Gram-positive infection 

Skin and/or soft-tissue infection

Infection where "methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus" (MRSA) is documented or suspected

Microorganisms usually or frequently sensitive to teicoplanin: 

Staphyloccus aureus

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Streptococci 

Teicoplanin Resistance: 

There is a small number of organisms that are inherently resistant to teicoplanin. These are usually not pathogenic, or not often encountered, but include: Erysipelothrix, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus and some Lactobacilli. 

Teicoplanin Warning:

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to monitor their kidney and liver function. It is recommended that regular blood tests are performed to check levels of the blood components.

Teicoplanin's effect on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Teicoplanin should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor. Teicoplanin should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Teicoplanin Side Effects:

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. 

Disclaimer:

Information on this page is provided for general information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment decision based on information contained in this page without consulting other references including the package insert of the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any erroneous information contained on this page.