TEICOLIX contains Teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic that is very similar to Vancomycin. It is a powerful “heavy-hitter” used to treat serious bacterial infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including the dangerous MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It works by preventing the bacteria from building their cell walls, which effectively stops them from growing and causes them to die. It is often used for bone and joint infections, endocarditis (heart valve infection), and complicated skin infections.

One major advantage of Teicoplanin is that it has a very long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing in many cases. It can be given either by IV or as an intramuscular (IM) injection. Because it is used for very stubborn bacteria, doctors reserve it for cases where other antibiotics have failed. Patients receiving this medication may need periodic blood tests to monitor their kidney and hearing function, as glycopeptides can occasionally affect these areas.