Dalbavancin

Pronunciation: Not available from research notes.

Generic name: dalbavancin
Brand names: DALVANCE
Drug class: Lipoglycopeptide antibacterial
Form: Single-dose vial (500 mg)
Route: Intravenous infusion
Legal status: Prescription-only antibacterial medicine

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United States

What dalbavancin is and how it works

Dalbavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antibacterial indicated for acute bacterial skin and skin-structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible Gram-positive organisms. It is administered intravenously by a healthcare professional. (1)

It is used when other treatments are not suitable or when specific criteria are met. Dosing and duration are individualized based on the infection and patient factors, including renal function. This draft only covers the U.S. brand and indication.

Mechanism of action: how dalbavancin works

Dalbavancin is a semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. It is active primarily against Gram-positive organisms. (1)

What dalbavancin is used for

Acute bacterial skin and skin-structure infections (ABSSSI)

Treatment of ABSSSI caused by designated susceptible isolates of Gram-positive microorganisms. The exact indication and susceptible organisms are per the current U.S. prescribing information. Other indications are not covered here. (1)

Before taking dalbavancin

Do not take / not appropriate for

Do not receive dalbavancin if you have had a severe allergic reaction to dalbavancin or other glycopeptides (e.g., vancomycin) unless the prescriber determines otherwise. (all uses) (1)
Do not use dalbavancin for infections where the causative organism is not known to be susceptible, or for non-serious infections, to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. (all indications) (1)

Tell your clinician about

Any history of allergy to antibiotics, especially glycopeptides.
Current or past liver problems, kidney disease, or a history of C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
All medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Any other medical conditions.

(1)

How to take dalbavancin

Dalbavancin is administered as an intravenous infusion over approximately 30 minutes by a healthcare professional. The exact dose and schedule will be determined by your prescriber.
The dose may be adjusted based on your kidney function and other factors. Do not attempt to change the dose or schedule yourself.
You will be observed after the infusion for any immediate reactions.

(1)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)

Missed dose

If you miss a scheduled infusion appointment, contact your healthcare provider to arrange a new time as soon as possible. Do not attempt to make up the dose by other means.

Overdose

Overdose may lead to increased side effects such as infusion reactions, nausea, or diarrhea. If you suspect an overdose or excessive infusion rate, inform the healthcare provider immediately or contact poison control. (1)

Side effects

The most serious risks with dalbavancin include hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis, infusion-related reactions, liver effects, and C. difficile-associated diarrhea. Other side effects may occur; discuss any symptoms with your provider.

Infusion-related reaction

What to notice: Redness, pain, swelling, or irritation at the infusion site or along the vein; flushing, chest discomfort, back pain, or shortness of breath during or soon after the infusion.

What to do: Inform the nurse or doctor immediately if you experience any discomfort during the infusion. Mild reactions may be managed by slowing the infusion; severe reactions require emergency care. (1)

Liver problems

What to notice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools, upper stomach pain, severe nausea, or tiredness.

What to do: Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop these symptoms after treatment. (1)

C. difficile-associated diarrhea

What to notice: Watery or bloody diarrhea that may occur during treatment or up to two months after the last dose, accompanied by fever or stomach cramps.

What to do: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice these symptoms; do not self-treat with anti-diarrheal medicines. (1)

Serious warnings

Anaphylaxis / severe allergic reaction — emergency

Symptoms: Rash, hives, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or feeling faint.

Action: This is a medical emergency. Call emergency services immediately. If the reaction occurs during infusion, the administration will be stopped and emergency treatment initiated. (1)

Severe infusion-related reaction — emergency

Symptoms: Sudden onset of flushing, severe chest pain, back pain, difficulty breathing, or drop in blood pressure during or shortly after infusion.

Action: The infusion will be stopped and emergency medical treatment provided. If you experience these symptoms, alert the healthcare staff immediately. (1)

Severe liver injury — important

Symptoms: Yellow eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.

Action: Seek medical attention promptly for assessment. Your provider will decide if treatment needs to be changed. (1)

C. difficile-associated diarrhea — important

Symptoms: Persistent, severe, watery or bloody diarrhea with fever and stomach cramps, possibly occurring weeks after treatment.

Action: Contact your doctor immediately; do not use anti-diarrheal medicines unless advised. (1)

Interactions

Medicine or test	Effect	Action
Other medications	Current evidence does not confirm specific interactions, but the absence of data is not proof of safety. Combining with other drugs may lead to unrecognized interactions.	Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. (1)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Renal impairment

Dalbavancin dosing must be adjusted in patients with significant renal impairment. Your prescriber will calculate the appropriate dose based on your kidney function. This draft does not provide specific adjustment criteria; refer to the label. (1)

Hepatic impairment

Dalbavancin has been associated with liver enzyme elevations. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Your doctor will assess the risk and may monitor liver function. (1)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The safety of dalbavancin in pregnancy and during breastfeeding has not been fully established. Inform your prescriber if you are pregnant, become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before receiving this medicine. (1)

Pediatric use

The safety and efficacy in children and adolescents have not been verified in this evidence pack. It is not recommended for pediatric use outside of controlled studies. (1)

Monitoring

Before starting

Obtain cultures and susceptibility testing to confirm the appropriateness of dalbavancin.
Assess renal function and liver function tests at baseline.
Review allergy history, focusing on glycopeptide antibiotics.
Confirm patient's weight and presence of any other conditions that may affect dosing.

During treatment

Observe patient during and for at least 30-60 minutes after infusion for signs of hypersensitivity or infusion reaction.
Monitor for signs of liver injury if clinically indicated (e.g., jaundice, abdominal pain).
Advise patient to report any new onset of watery or bloody diarrhea, even after completing treatment.
Periodically reassess renal function if prolonged therapy is used.

(1)

Storage

Store vials as per manufacturer instructions, typically at room temperature, protected from light. Reconstitution and dilution are performed by healthcare professionals using aseptic technique. Discard any unused portion; the vial is single-dose.

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only. Refer to the most current U.S. prescribing information for dosing, renal adjustment, and full safety data.

United States

Indication: Acute bacterial skin and skin-structure infections (ABSSSI)

Dose summary: Dosing is individualized based on the current U.S. label; typical regimens involve single or divided doses. This draft does not provide specific doses. Refer to the full prescribing information.

Renal context: Dose reduction is required in patients with significant renal impairment; exact parameters are not provided in this draft. (1)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

Hepatic effects have been reported; monitoring may be considered in patients with pre-existing liver disease or those developing symptoms.

Overdose note

Overdose management is supportive. No specific antidote exists. Contact poison control if accidental overdose is suspected. (1)

Frequently asked questions

How is dalbavancin administered?

Dalbavancin is given by intravenous infusion in a healthcare setting over about 30 minutes. The exact dose and schedule will be decided by your doctor. You will not need to administer it yourself. (1)

What should I do if I experience diarrhea after receiving dalbavancin?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if diarrhea is severe, watery, or bloody, especially with fever or stomach cramps. This could be a sign of C. difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur weeks after treatment. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine without medical advice. (1)

Can dalbavancin be used if I have kidney problems?

Yes, but the dose will need to be adjusted based on your kidney function. Your doctor will calculate the correct dose. Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions. (1)

What is the mechanism of action of dalbavancin?

Dalbavancin is a semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. It is active primarily against Gram-positive organisms. (1)

What is the generic name of Dalbavancin?

The generic name is dalbavancin. It is sold under brand names including DALVANCE. (1)

What class of drug is dalbavancin?

Dalbavancin is classed as: Lipoglycopeptide antibacterial. (1)

References

DALVANCE (dalbavancin) injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionU.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-11 · source 1
DALBAVANCIN INJECTION, POWDER, LYOPHILIZED, FOR SOLUTION [SOMERSET THERAPEUTICS, LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
Dalbavancin Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
Dalbavancin — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA219465)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
dalbavancin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1539239)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient dalbavancin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

United States

DALVANCE500 mg/25mL · allergan, inc.

View brands in additional countries.