A glycopeptide antibiotic (see ANTIBIOTICS) which acts against aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive (see GRAM'S STAIN) bacteria. Like the similar drug, VANCOMYCIN, it is given for the prevention and treatment of ENDOCARDITIS and other serious infections caused by gram-positive cocci, including STAPHYLOCOCCUS, which have developed resistance to other antibiotics. Its long duration of action means that it need be given only once a day. Teicoplanin can be given intramuscularly or intravenously.