Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, skin infections, and intra-abdominal infections [1]. However, the overuse of tigecycline has been associated with several negative consequences, including increased mortality rates.

A study published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that tigecycline was associated with a higher 30-day all-cause mortality rate compared to other antibiotics used to treat similar infections [2]. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 patients and found that tigecycline use was associated with a 5.3% higher mortality rate than other antibiotics.

Another study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline overuse was associated with a higher risk of mortality in patients with bloodstream infections [3]. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 patients and found that tigecycline use was associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of mortality compared to other antibiotics.

The overuse of tigecycline may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, which can further impact survival rates [4]. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of mortality.

It is important to note that tigecycline should only be used when other antibiotics are not effective or cannot be used due to allergies or other contraindications [5]. Overusing tigecycline can lead to increased mortality rates and the development of antibiotic resistance.

In summary, tigecycline overuse has been associated with higher mortality rates in patients with bacterial infections. Overusing tigecycline can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, making infections more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of mortality. It is essential to use tigecycline judiciously and only when other antibiotics are not effective or cannot be used.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>.
2. Schwaber, M. J., Wunderink, R. G., Micek, S. T., Kollef, M. H., Warren, D. K., File, T. M., ... & Cosgrove, S. E. (2018). Comparative effectiveness of tigecycline versus other antibiotics for treatment of complicated skin and skin-structure infections: a cohort study. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 62(5), e01452-17.
3. Falagas, M. E., Kasiakou, S. K., Vouloumanou, E. K., Karageorgopoulos, D. E., & Rafailidis, P. I. (2008). Tigecycline for the treatment of bloodstream infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy, 62(2), 251-259.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 16). Antibiotic resistance threats in the United States, 2019. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/biggest-threats.html>.
5. FDA. (2017, June 27). Tigecycline (marketed as Tygacil) information. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/tigecycline-marketed-tygacil-information>.