A glycopeptide antibiotic which acts against aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive 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. Its use must be carefully monitored as there is a range of adverse effects.