Oritavancin
Oritavancin
Oritavancin (pronounced: or-ee-ta-van-sin) is an antibiotic used in the treatment of skin infections caused by certain types of bacteria. It belongs to the class of drugs known as glycopeptide antibiotics.
Etymology
The name 'Oritavancin' is derived from the Latin words 'oris' meaning 'mouth' and 'vancin' referring to its similarity to the antibiotic vancomycin.
Usage
Oritavancin is used to treat serious bacterial infections of the skin and underlying tissues, known as acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). These infections are often caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Mechanism of Action
Oritavancin works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, leading to the death of the bacteria. It is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, which have a thick cell wall.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Oritavancin include nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, infusion reactions, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
Related Terms
- Antibiotic
- Glycopeptide antibiotics
- Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Gram-positive bacteria
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oritavancin
- Wikipedia's article - Oritavancin
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