Teicoplanin A2-3 is a major component of the teicoplanin complex, a glycopeptide antibiotic produced by A. teichomyceticus that is broadly effective against Gram-positive bacteria in vitro. Bacteria treated with the drug failed to incorporate GlcNAc, a peptidoglycan precursor, whereas they continued to synthesize DNA, RNA, and protein. The cell wall inhibition was accompanied by an accumulation of UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide, thus indicating that the antibiotic interferes with the polymerization of the peptidoglycan but not with the synthesis of soluble precursors. Teicoplanin is indicated in adults and in children from birth for the parenteral treatment of the following infections: complicated skin and soft tissue infections; bone and joint infections; complicated urinary tract infections; infective endocarditis; bacteremia that occurs in association with any of the indications listed above. The following side-effects may occur -- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain, skin rash and pruritus, bronchospasm, renal impairment. Teicoplanin should be administrated with caution in patients receiving concurrent nephrotoxic or ototoxic drugs, such as aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, and frusemide.