Class Explorer · Anti-infectives
Glycopeptides
Bind D-Ala-D-Ala peptidoglycan termini in gram-positives; too bulky for gram-negative outer membranes.
Members
Also in this class: Teicoplanin (where marketed) · Lipoglycopeptides (dalbavancin: weeks-long half-life). Full pages arrive as the library grows.
Compare the members
Vancomycin
- Route logic
- IV systemic; oral only for C. difficile
- Distinguishing point
- TDM-dosed
Shared across the class
- Indications
- MRSA and resistant gram-positive infections · Severe C. difficile (oral vancomycin)
- Adverse effects
- Nephrotoxicity · Infusion reactions · Ototoxicity (rare)
- Contraindications
- Prior severe hypersensitivity
- Monitoring
- Levels (AUC/trough) · Creatinine every 2-3 days · Infusion rate
What makes each agent different
- Dalbavancin's half-life is measured in days to weeks: single-dose therapy for selected infections.
Route is indication: IV for blood, oral for gut, never interchangeable.
Last reviewed 2026-08-15 · Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed.