Efficacy and pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin in hemodialysis patients

In order to establish guidelines for the dosage of teicoplanin, a new glycopeptide antibiotic, in patients with end stage renal failure, 40 cases of suspected or proven gram-positive infections were treated with teicoplanin. Three different dosage regimens were used and peak/trough serum levels measured. Thirty-one patients were cured and six patients died. Teicoplanin was well tolerated. For severe cases of septicemia with staphylococci in patients undergoing hemodialysis a teicoplanin therapy consisting of 800 mg on day 1 followed by administrations of 400 mg on days 2, 3, 5, 12, and 19 is recommended. Minor infections are treated initially with 800 mg followed by administration of 400 mg at weekly intervals.