TEICOPLANIN - 10 YEARS OF CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE

The teichomycin antibiotics have been discovered and chemically purifi ed in the late 1970s. Teicoplanin, one of the major derivatives of thi s group, has been introduced into clinical use in 1984. In Germany tei coplanin was licensed in 1988 and now ranks among the antimicrobial ag ents most frequently used in intensive care units. Due to its reduced rate of side effects compared to vancomycin, its longer serum half-lif e and a simplified mode of application, teicoplanin has become the gly copeptide of choice in many hospitals. The present review summarizes i n vitro activity data, pharmacokinetics, and clinical experience with teicoplanin, with special consideration of currently recommended doses and serum levels.