Taurolidine
Taurolidine is an antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agent used primarily as a catheter lock solution to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections. It works by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and preventing biofilm formation on catheter surfaces, making it particularly valuable for patients requiring long-term central venous access such as those on hemodialysis or receiving chemotherapy.
Taurolidine is an antimicrobial catheter lock agent used to prevent infections in patients requiring long-term central venous catheters.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B05CA05
- RxNorm
- 2670453
- Generic
- Taurolidine
- Class
- atc-b05
- Brands
- Defencath
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
13 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if benefits outweigh risks
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only when clearly needed
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
discontinue breastfeeding or express and discard breast milk during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderlydose adjustment based on renal function
use with caution due to potential age-related decline in renal function
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesuse lower doses
use only under close medical supervision
close monitoring of vital signs and catheter site
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenadjust based on weight
use under pediatric supervision
regular assessment of catheter function and systemic signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment required
standard dosing appropriate
periodic renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
moderatemonitor closely
use with caution and monitor renal function
regular monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid or use reduced frequency
use only if benefits outweigh risks
frequent renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment required
standard dosing
baseline liver function tests
hepatic_impairment
moderateuse with caution
monitor liver function
regular liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks
frequent liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
General prescribing information for Taurolidine catheter lock solutions
Drug class
Drug class information - Taurolidine is classified as an antiseptic agent
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic use as catheter lock solution
Common formulation
Taurolidine is primarily formulated as a catheter lock/lock solution
Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in patients with central venous catheters, particularly for hemodialysis patients, oncology patients, and those requiring long-term parenteral nutrition. Also used as part of antibiotic lock therapy for treating catheter infections.
Taurolidine exerts antimicrobial activity by disrupting bacterial cell wall integrity and interfering with bacterial adhesion to catheter surfaces. It has broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Additionally, it has anticoagulant properties that help prevent catheter thrombosis.
Taurolidine is typically administered as a catheter lock solution (instilled into the catheter lumen) rather than given systemically. It may be combined with heparin in catheter lock solutions for combined antimicrobial and anticoagulant protection. As with all catheter lock therapies, proper administration technique is essential to minimize infection risk.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy