Telavancin
Telavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious gram-positive bacterial infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia. It is particularly effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other resistant organisms. This medication is typically reserved for situations when other antibiotics are not appropriate.
Telavancin is an injectable antibiotic used for serious gram-positive infections like complicated skin infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia, particularly when caused by MRSA.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01XA03
- RxNorm
- 473837
- Generic
- Telavancin
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Vibativ
- 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.
Treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP) caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Reserved for patients when alternative treatments are not suitable.
Telavancin is a cell wall synthesis inhibitor. It binds to the D-Ala-D-Ala peptide terminus of the bacterial cell wall, disrupting peptidoglycan polymerization and cross-linking, leading to bacterial cell death. It also disrupts membrane potential and permeability in bacterial cells.
Administered by intravenous infusion. Requires renal function monitoring as it may cause kidney toxicity. Contraindicated in pregnancy. May cause taste disturbances, nausea, and foamy urine. Not effective against gram-negative organisms. Should only be used when benefits outweigh risks for fetal and renal safety concerns.
Official drug label
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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