Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antiobiotic complex isolated from the fermentation broth of Actinoplanes teichomyceticus, used in the prophylaxis and treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, such as staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, bacilli and diphtheroids and including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.

Belonging to the teichomycin antibiotic group was first described in 1978 and has been used in clinical trial since 1984. During the last decade, an ever-increasing number or clinical studies has been performed, covering a large spectrum of clinical indications in various groups of patients.

Teicoplanin owns a molecular structure which is related to that of vancomycin with similar spectrum of activity. Its mechanism of action is to inhibit peptidoglycan polymerization, resulting in inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria cell walls synthesis and consequent cell death.

The Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical Classification includes teicoplanin into the category of "Glycopeptides antibacterials" (ATC code: J01XA02).

Due to its reduced rate of side effects that does not require close monitoring, its longer serum half-life and a simplified mode or application, teicoplanin is a valuable alternative of Vancomycin and has become the glycopeplide or choice in many hospitals.

Teicoplanin is clinically and bacteriologically effective against a wide variety of Gram-positive infections such as septicaemia, endocarditis, skin and soft tissue infections and infections associated with venous catheters.

The exceptional long half-life allows once-daily intramuscular or intravenous administration. Oral teicoplanin has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of pseudomembranous colitis and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, with comparable efficacy to vancomycin.