Tergocin

Indications

Teicoplanin is an injectable antibiotic used in hospital to treat serious infections caused by Gram positive bacteria, including MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Uses include complicated skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, infections of the heart valves (endocarditis), blood infections, and peritonitis in people on peritoneal dialysis. It may also be used for Clostridioides difficile diarrhoea when taken by mouth, and to prevent infection around some surgery.

How It Works

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic. It blocks bacteria from building their cell walls, which causes them to die.

Dosage and Administration

Teicoplanin is given by a doctor or nurse as an injection into a vein or muscle, or as a short infusion. Treatment usually starts with several higher loading doses followed by a daily maintenance dose. The dose depends on the type of infection, body weight and kidney function, and blood levels may be checked. Dosing is as prescribed by the treating doctor.

Interactions

• Other medicines that can harm the kidneys or hearing, such as Gentamicin and other aminoglycosides, Amphotericin B, Ciclosporin, Cisplatin and Furosemide, should be used with care and monitoring.

Contraindications

Allergy to Teicoplanin.

Side Effects

Possible side effects include rash, itching, fever, pain or redness at the injection site, nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, changes in blood counts, raised liver enzymes and, uncommonly, kidney problems or hearing loss and ringing in the ears.

Get urgent medical help, or tell the nurse straight away, if you have difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a severe skin reaction with blistering or peeling, flushing of the upper body during the infusion, hearing changes, or severe diarrhoea with blood.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if the doctor decides it is clearly necessary, as there is a possible risk to the baby's hearing and kidneys. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; the doctor will decide whether breastfeeding should continue.

Precautions and Warnings

• Tell the doctor if you have ever reacted to Vancomycin, as cross allergy is possible.
• Kidney function, blood counts, liver tests and hearing may be monitored during long treatment.
• Prolonged use can lead to overgrowth of resistant organisms.

Overdose

Overdose is unlikely because it is given in hospital. If too much is given, staff will provide supportive care; it is not removed well by dialysis.

Therapeutic Class

Glycopeptide antibiotic.

Storage

Hospital medicine: store as directed on the pack, usually below 25°C, out of the reach of children. Prepared solutions are used promptly or stored as directed.