Pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin in subjects with varying degrees of renal function

The pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin were studied in 20 subjects with varying degrees of renal function after administration of a single 200 mg intravenous dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with a three compartment open model and by non-compartmental analysis. The elimination half-life increased as creatinine clearance decreased (rs = −0·87, P>0·001). The distribution volume was 1·0 (±0·3) 1/kg of actual body weight and did not vary with changes in creatinine clearance. In normal subjects the main route of elimination was renal. The plasma clearance of teicoplanin correlated with creatinine clearance (rs = 0·91, P>0·001). At lower levels of creatinine clearance the variation in elimination half-life was such that we recommend individualization of the teicoplanin dosage following the measurement of the drug concentration in plasma.