Glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides are antibiotics used to treat complicated and/or serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.
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
Medication | Common Uses* | Some Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
Dalbavancin | Complicated skin infections due to susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) | Gastrointestinal upset Metallic taste Foamy urine Flushing and itching of the face, neck, and shoulders† |
Oritavancin | Complicated skin infections due to susceptible bacteria, including MRSA | Gastrointestinal upset Metallic taste Foamy urine Headache Flushing and itching of the face, neck, and shoulders† |
Teicoplanin‡ | Serious infections, especially those due to susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA | Kidney damage Hearing loss and deafness A decrease in the platelet and white blood cell counts Flushing and itching of the face, neck, and shoulders† |
Telavancin | Serious infections, especially those due to susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA | Gastrointestinal upset Metallic taste Foamy urine Kidney damage Dizziness A decrease in the platelet count Flushing and itching of the face, neck, and shoulders† |
Vancomycin | Serious infections, especially those due to susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA Clostridioides difficile-induced colitis (given by mouth) | Flushing and itching of the face, neck, and shoulders† Kidney damage Hearing loss A decrease in white blood cell and platelet counts |
* These medications are given by injection into a vein except where noted. | ||
† These side effects are usually relieved by slowing the infusion. | ||
(See also Overview of Antibiotics.)
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 Safety of Medications During Pregnancy.)
Use of glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides during breastfeeding is discouraged. (See also Medication and Substance Use During Breastfeeding.)
Drug Information for the Topic
