Serum and bone concentrations of teicoplanin and vancomycin: Study in an animal model

Teicoplanin and vancomycin are antibiotics widely used in the therapy of bo ne and joint infections. The aim of this study was to compare bone and seru m concentrations of each antibiotic in guinea pigs after administration of 50 mg/kg of teicoplanin or vancomycin by the intravenous route. Serum and b one concentrations were determined immediately before and 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h after drug administration by means of high performance liquid chro matography. Teicoplanin concentrations were always higher than vancomycin l evels. Area under the concentration/time curve was significantly greater fo r teicoplanin than for vancomycin. In bone, teicoplanin concentration incre ased up to 6 h, while vancomycin reached its peak after 2 h. Moreover, teic oplanin showed markedly higher levels at 6 12 and 24 h than vancomycin. In conclusion, the ability of teicoplanin to penetrate bone in greater amount than vancomycin confirms the potential use of teicoplanin in the treatment of bone infections and in the prophylaxis of orthopedic surgery.