Vibativ

Vibativ is the brand name for telavancin, an antibiotic in the lipoglycopeptide class derived from glycopeptides. It is used to treat certain serious Gram-positive infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by susceptible bacteria.

Telavancin exerts its antibacterial effect by binding to the D-alanyl-D-alanine termini of cell wall precursors, inhibiting cell wall synthesis, and disrupting bacterial membrane potential and permeability. The molecule has a hydrophobic lipophilic side chain that helps it interact with bacterial membranes, contributing to its activity against Gram-positive pathogens.

The antimicrobial spectrum of vibativ is mainly directed at Gram-positive organisms. It is active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other streptococci, with activity against some Enterococcus species. It has limited or no activity against most Gram-negative bacteria and should not be relied upon for infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens or those with known resistance to glycopeptides.

Vibativ is administered exclusively by intravenous infusion. Dosing and duration depend on the indication and patient factors, and renal function can influence pharmacokinetics, requiring adjustments. It is not available as an oral formulation.

Safety considerations include potential nephrotoxicity, changes in taste, nausea, vomiting, and other infusion-related or laboratory abnormalities. Telavancin carries warnings and precautions related to renal function and, in some cases, fetal safety; use during pregnancy is generally avoided unless clearly necessary. Clinicians weigh its spectrum and safety profile against alternative agents such as vancomycin, especially in hospital-acquired pneumonia and complex skin infections.

See also: vancomycin, dalbavancin, oritavancin.