A glycopeptide antibiotic (see ANTIBIOTICS) which acts against aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive (see GRAM’S STAIN) bacteria. Like the similar drug, VANCOMYCIN, it is given in the prophylaxis and treatment of ENDOCARDITIS and other serious infections caused by gram-positive cocci, including STAPHYLOCOCCUS, which have developed resistance to other antibiotics. Its long duration of action means that it need be given only once a day. Teicoplanin can be given intramuscularly or intravenously. Its use should be carefully monitored as there is a range of adverse effects.
Most staphylococci (see STAPHYLOCOCCUS) have now evolved resistance to benzylpenicillin (see PENICILLIN) because of their ability to produce PENICILLINASE. Cloxacillin and ?ucloxacillin are antibiotics still e?ective against most staphylococci; at one time methicillin was used to combat resistant strains, but in hospital environments bacteria acquired immunity to this powerful drug (now withdrawn from use) and to cloxacillin. RIFAMPICIN, VANCOMYCIN, TEICOPLANIN and temocillin are still active against most penicillinase-producing gram-negative bacteria (see GRAM’S STAIN). There is, however, a growing threat to health because of the rise in the number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly in hospitals. The bacteria themselves are not more virulent than others, but the di?culty in treating them with a safe and e?ective antibiotic mean that they are more dangerous. It is likely that lapses in normal hygienic practice – such as frequent hand-washing – has resulted in an increase in MRSA disease.... methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (mrsa)
n. an antibiotic, derived from the bacterium Streptomyces orientalis, that is effective against most Gram-positive organisms (e.g. streptococci and staphylococci). Used for treating serious infections (including endocarditis and *MRSA) due to strains that are resistant to other antibiotics, it usually has a low toxicity but may cause deafness and blood disorders. Vancomycin and teicoplanin (a related drug with similar uses) are known as glycopeptide antibiotics.... vancomycin
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