Glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides are antibiotics Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more used to treat complicated and/or serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria Staining and Examination Using a Microscope .
Glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides include the following:
Dalbavancin
Oritavancin
Teicoplanin
Telavancin
Vancomycin
Most bacteria have an outer covering (cell wall) that protects them. Glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides work by preventing gram-positive bacteria from forming this cell wall, resulting in the death of the bacteria.
Glycopeptides and Lipoglycopeptides
(See also Overview of Antibiotics Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more .)
Use of Glycopeptides and Lipoglycopeptides During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Use of glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides during pregnancy is not recommended, but sometimes the benefits of treatment may outweigh the risks. For example, vancomycin taken by mouth may be used to treat C. difficile–induced diarrhea in pregnant women. (See also Drug Use During Pregnancy Safety of Medications During Pregnancy During pregnancy, women may need to take medications to treat new or existing health conditions. Also, certain vitamins are recommended during pregnancy. Before taking any medication (including... read more .)
Use of glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides during breastfeeding is discouraged. (See also Drug Use During Breastfeeding Medication and Substance Use During Breastfeeding When women who are breastfeeding have to take a medication, they wonder whether they should stop breastfeeding. The answer depends on the following: How much of the medication passes into the... read more .)