Telavancin
Pronunciation: (tel-uh-VAN-sin).
- Generic name
- Telavancin
- Brand names
- Telavin, Vibativ, Telavac
- Drug class
- Infection & Antibiotics
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Telavancin is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Telavancin works
Telavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of cell wall precursors and disrupting peptidoglycan polymerization. It also disrupts bacterial cell membrane potential and increases membrane permeability, leading to rapid bacterial cell death. Its dual mechanism is effective against Gram-positive pathogens, including MRSA. (1)
What Telavancin is used for
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) (1)
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (1)
Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI)
Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) (1)
Before taking Telavancin
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to telavancin or glycopeptide antibiotics. (Contraindication) (1)
- Not recommended during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Telavancin
- General Instructions: Telavancin is administered as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional, usually once daily. The dose and duration depend on the type and severity of infection.. Adult Dosing: The typical adult dose is 10 mg/kg administered intravenously over 60 minutes every 24 hours for 7 to 21 days, depending on the infection.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children under 18 years have not been established; use in pediatric patients is not routinely recommended.. Administration: Given only as an IV infusion by trained healthcare staff. Do not self-administer.. When To Stop: Complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Discontinue only if directed by your healthcare provider due to side effects or adverse reactions.. Storage: Store vials at room temperature, protected from light. Prepared solutions should be used within the recommended time frame as per hospital protocol.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
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, contact your healthcare provider immediately for guidance on when to resume treatment. Do not take an extra dose to make up for it — your provider will advise on the next steps.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include worsening kidney function or severe allergic reactions. Supportive care and monitoring of vital signs and kidney function are recommended. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Foamy urine
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Taste disturbance
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney problems
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
QT prolongation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Red man syndrome
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING (ADDED — absent from the earlier draft of this record) — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING (ADDED — absent from the earlier draft of this record): (1) In patients with pre-existing moderate or severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance 50 mL/min or less) treated with telavancin for hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia, increased mortality was observed compared with vancomycin. (2) Nephrotoxicity — new-onset or worsening kidney impairment has occurred with telavancin; kidney function is monitored in all patients. (3) Women of childbearing potential should have a pregnancy test before treatment starts. Telavancin should be avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus — adverse developmental outcomes seen in three animal species at clinically relevant doses raise concern about a similar risk in humans.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
May cause kidney toxicity — serious
Symptoms: May cause kidney toxicity; monitor renal function closely. Risk of QT prolongation; use caution in patients with known QT prolongation or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs. May cause infusion-related reactions (Red Man Syndrome). Potential for Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to telavancin or glycopeptide antibiotics. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, pre-existing QT prolongation, or those receiving other nephrotoxic or QT-prolonging agents. Not recommended during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks. Monitor for infusion-related reactions and C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Telavancin may interact with other medications that affect kidney function (such as NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, or loop diuretics) and drugs that prolong the QT interval (such as certain antiarrhythmics or antipsychotics). Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
This is an FDA boxed-warning topic (see serious_warnings): telavancin should be avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Adverse developmental outcomes were seen in three animal species at clinically relevant doses, raising concern about a similar risk in humans. Women of childbearing potential should have a pregnancy test before treatment begins, and a pregnancy exposure registry exists to monitor outcomes for women exposed to telavancin during pregnancy — discuss enrollment and individual risk/benefit with the treating clinician. (1)
Breastfeeding
Published data on telavancin in human breast milk were not found in the sources reviewed for this page. Because telavancin is only used for serious infections under close medical supervision, breastfeeding decisions during treatment should be made together with the treating clinician, weighing the infection being treated against any potential infant exposure. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (1)
Renal_impairment
This is an FDA boxed-warning topic for kidney function (see serious_warnings): in patients with pre-existing moderate-to-severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance 50 mL/min or less) treated for hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia, more deaths occurred with telavancin than with vancomycin, and new-onset or worsening kidney impairment can occur with telavancin — kidney function is monitored in everyone receiving it. Dosing is adjusted by creatinine clearance (see the professional dosing table on this page); there isn't enough information to recommend a specific dose for the most severe kidney failure or people on dialysis. For liver impairment, no dose change is needed in mild-to-moderate impairment, but telavancin hasn't been studied in severe liver impairment. Tell the prescribing clinician about any kidney or liver disease. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
This is an FDA boxed-warning topic for kidney function (see serious_warnings): in patients with pre-existing moderate-to-severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance 50 mL/min or less) treated for hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia, more deaths occurred with telavancin than with vancomycin, and new-onset or worsening kidney impairment can occur with telavancin — kidney function is monitored in everyone receiving it. Dosing is adjusted by creatinine clearance (see the professional dosing table on this page); there isn't enough information to recommend a specific dose for the most severe kidney failure or people on dialysis. For liver impairment, no dose change is needed in mild-to-moderate impairment, but telavancin hasn't been studied in severe liver impairment. Tell the prescribing clinician about any kidney or liver disease. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
This is a healthcare-professional-administered infusion; storage and preparation are handled by the treating facility. The FDA label specifies original packages are stored refrigerated at 2-8°C (35-46°F), with excursions to ambient temperature (up to 25°C/77°F) acceptable; avoid excessive heat.
Study the drug class: Glycopeptides
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)
Dose summary: 10 mg/kg IV once daily for 7-14 days depending on the severity of the infection.
Renal context: The FDA label gives a specific creatinine-clearance (CrCl, Cockcroft-Gault)-based dose table: CrCl greater than 50 mL/min — 10 mg/kg every 24 hours (standard dose); CrCl 30-50 mL/min — 7.5 mg/kg every 24 hours; CrCl 10 to 30 mL/min or less — 10 mg/kg every 48 hours. There is insufficient information to make a specific dose recommendation for end-stage renal disease (CrCl under 10 mL/min), including patients on hemodialysis. This dose reduction is separate from, and does not remove, the boxed-warning mortality signal seen in patients with pre-existing CrCl of 50 mL/min or less treated for hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated pneumonia. For hepatic impairment, no dose adjustment is recommended in mild or moderate impairment (Child-Pugh A/B; pharmacokinetics were unchanged in Child-Pugh B); telavancin has not been evaluated in severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What infections does Telavancin treat?
Telavancin is used to treat complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA.
How is Telavancin administered?
It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional, typically once daily.
Can Telavancin be used in pregnancy?
Telavancin may cause harm to an unborn baby and should be avoided in pregnancy unless no suitable alternatives exist. Discuss risks with your doctor.
What are the most common side effects?
Common side effects include taste disturbances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and foamy urine.
Does Telavancin interact with other medications?
Yes, it may interact with other drugs that affect kidney function or prolong the QT interval. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Contact your healthcare provider for instructions. Do not take an extra dose to make up for it.
How is kidney function monitored during Telavancin therapy?
Kidney function is monitored through blood tests (serum creatinine, BUN) before and during treatment. Dose adjustments may be needed if kidney function worsens.
What happens if I take too much Telavancin?
Taking too much Telavancin can lead to an overdose, potentially exacerbating side effects such as kidney problems or gastrointestinal issues. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, or changes in urine output. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for appropriate management.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Telavancin?
It is generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Telavancin. Alcohol can increase the risk of certain side effects, particularly those affecting the liver or kidneys, which are also potential concerns with lipoglycopeptide antibiotics. Discuss alcohol use with your healthcare provider to understand personalized recommendations and potential risks.
Is Telavancin safe during pregnancy?
Telavancin's pregnancy category requires careful consideration. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking Telavancin. Your healthcare provider will assess the potential risks and benefits to both you and your baby, and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
What is the mechanism of action of Telavancin?
Telavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of cell wall precursors and disrupting peptidoglycan polymerization. It also disrupts bacterial cell membrane potential and increases membrane permeability, leading to rapid bacterial cell death. Its dual mechanism is effective against Gram-positive pathogens, including MRSA. (1)
What is the generic name of Telavancin?
The generic name is Telavancin. It is sold under brand names including Telavin, Vibativ, Telavac.
What class of drug is Telavancin?
Telavancin is classed as: Infection & Antibiotics.
References
- nullnull · null · accessed null · source 1
- VIBATIV (TELAVANCIN HYDROCHLORIDE) INJECTION, POWDER, LYOPHILIZED, FOR SOLUTION [CUMBERLAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- Telavancin Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- VIBATIV — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA022110)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Telavancin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 473837)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Telavancin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- VIBATIV15 mg/mL · cumberland pharmaceuticals inc.
Canada
- VIBATIV