Targocid

What is it?

A glyeopeptide and antibiotic, available as a powder in vials in 2 strengths containing 200 and 400mg of teicoplanin.

Medical Uses

Serious Gram-positive infections or staphylococcal infections where there is no response or a sensitivity to penicillins or cephalosporins. Also, endocarditis, infections of skin, soft tissue, urinary tract, lower respiratory tract, bones and joints, septicaemia, CAPD related peritonitis. Prevention of Gram positive infections in at risk patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

Dosage

Adults, moderate infections, 400mg by intramuscular or intravenous injection on first day, then 200mg each day by same means. For severe infections, 400mg intravenously every 12 hours for 3 doses then 400mg by intramuscular or intravenous injection each day. Patients weighing over 85kg, 3 to 6mg per kg of body weight, consulting manufacturer's literature. If kidney function is impaired, reduced doses should be given from day 4, according to manufacturer's literature. CAPD related peritonitis, consult manufacturer's literature. Prevention of infections in orthopaedic surgery, 400mg given intravenously as one dose at time of anaesthesia. Children, newborn babies, 16mg per kg of body weight on first day by intravenous infusion over half an hour, then 8mg per kg as single daily dose. Aged over 2 months, moderate infections, 10mg per kg of body weight every 12 hours for 3 doses given by intravenous injection, then 6mg per kg as single daily dose given intramuscularly or intravenously. For severe infections 10mg per kg every 12 hours for 3 doses by intravenous injection, then same as single daily dose, given intramuscularly or intravenously.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, patients sensitive to vancomycin. Liver, kidney, blood and auditory tests should be regularly carried out.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cephaloridine, aminoglycosides, colistin.

Known Side Effects

Thrombophlebitis, angioedema (widespread swelling due to fluid retention), rash, fever, tinnitus (ringing in ears), gastrointestinal upset, rigor, vestibular disorders (affecting organs of balance in inner ears), slight loss of hearing, reactions at site of injection, bronchospasm, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhoea, blood changes, anaphylaxis, skin disorders (exfoliative dematitis, erythema multiforme), headache. Also, kidney failure, superinfections, increased blood levels of creatinine, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase (enzymes).