Teicoplanin, a new glycopeptide antibiotic similar to vancomycin, has proven effective in the treatment of various gram-positive infections in both the normal and the immunocompromised host. In vitro activity against most gram-positive organisms is equal to or greater than that of vancomycin. Favorable pharmacokinetics allow for intramuscular administration as well as intravenous bolus dosing; maintenance therapy may be given on a once-daily basis after appropriate loading doses. The combination of all these factors makes teicoplanin an effective and safe alternative to vancomycin in the treatment of gram-positive infections.