VARIATIONS OF TEICOPLANIN CONCENTRATIONS IN NEUTROPENIC PATIENTS

The aim of this study was to measure the trough plasma concentrations of teicoplanin in neutropenic patients with a view to optimizing the l oading dose. Teicoplanin trough plasma concentrations were followed in 11 neutropenic patients after repeated administration of a 6 mg/kg i. v. bolus. The first three injections were given at 12-h intervals, and the rest every 24 h. Trough plasma concentrations at 48 h varied from 5.6 to 13.1 mg/l. The mean trough plasma concentration-time curve ind icated a trend towards accumulation. In conclusion, the loading dose o f teicoplanin should be tailored to individual neutropenic patients.