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Glycopeptide Antibiotic — MRSA / Gram-Positive Infections

Teicoplanin

Brand names: Targocid

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibacterial, related to vancomycin, used for serious Gram-positive infection including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is given by intravenous or intramuscular injection, once daily after initial loading doses.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis by binding peptidoglycan precursors, producing a bactericidal effect against Gram-positive organisms, including many resistant to beta-lactams.

Prescribing in practice

  • Reserve for serious Gram-positive infection and use in line with local antimicrobial guidance to limit glycopeptide resistance.
  • It generally causes fewer infusion-related reactions than vancomycin, but hypersensitivity and cross-reactivity with vancomycin can occur.
  • Monitor renal function, and assess hearing with prolonged therapy or where other ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs are co-prescribed.

Monitoring

Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended in serious infection to ensure adequate trough concentrations. Monitor renal function and full blood count during treatment, with auditory assessment during prolonged courses.

Counselling the patient

  • Report any rash, fever or signs of an allergic reaction.
  • Report new hearing changes or dizziness during treatment.
  • Attend for blood tests to check drug levels and kidney function.

Evidence & guidelines

A recognised glycopeptide option for MRSA and other serious Gram-positive infection; use should follow local antimicrobial guidance.

Reference: PHE Teicoplanin TDM Guidelines; BSAC Teicoplanin Guidelines; NICE NG-MRSA Management; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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