Vancomycin and teicoplanin: something old, something new.
OBJECTIVE
To compare and contrast the pharmacology, activity and clinical efficacy of two glycopeptide antibiotics, vancomycin and teicoplanin.


METHODS
English language literature search using MEDLINE, Index Medicus, relevant textbooks and product information literature.


METHODS
Over 200 publications were examined extending back to the period of initial Phase I trials with vancomycin.


METHODS
Many publications covered similar ground and came to the same conclusions. In these instances one or two of the best pieces were chosen as cited reference material. Conflicting results and conclusions are discussed and an attempt is made to interpret the findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Vancomycin and teicoplanin show differences in activity both in vitro and in vivo. Vancomycin is superior against coagulase-negative staphylococci and reliable dosage regimens are available. Teicoplanin, however, needs to be given in significantly larger doses than initially thought necessary to maximise clinical efficacy. Teicoplanin has a lower incidence of side effects but in clinical practice this advantage is small. Vancomycin remains the glycopeptide of choice for the treatment of infections due to Gram-positive bacteria.
Phillips
G
G
Department of Microbiology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland.
Golledge
C L
CL
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006020:Glycopeptides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D017334:Teicoplanin; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D006020:Glycopeptides; D017334:Teicoplanin; D014640:Vancomycin