Lipoglycopeptide

Lipoglycopeptides are a class of antibiotics that are used to treat serious bacterial infections. They are derived from glycopeptides, but have a lipid tail that increases their potency and allows for better penetration into tissues.

Mechanism of Action

Lipoglycopeptides work by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. They bind to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of the cell wall precursor, preventing the addition of new units to the peptidoglycan chain. This results in a weakened cell wall and ultimately leads to cell lysis and death.

Examples

There are currently three lipoglycopeptides approved for use: telavancin, dalbavancin, and oritavancin. These drugs are primarily used to treat skin and soft tissue infections and bacteremia caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Side Effects

Common side effects of lipoglycopeptides include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can include kidney damage, hearing loss, and an increased risk of infection.

Resistance

Resistance to lipoglycopeptides can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including changes in the target site, decreased permeability, and active efflux. However, due to their unique structure and mechanism of action, lipoglycopeptides are less prone to resistance than other classes of antibiotics.

See Also

• Glycopeptide antibiotics
• Vancomycin
• Antibiotic resistance