See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Treating Bacterial Infections

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now a part of Pfizer), tigecycline was approved by the US FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic, a class of antibiotics that are structurally similar to tetracyclines. However, tigecycline has a broader spectrum of activity and is more resistant to bacterial resistance mechanisms than traditional tetracyclines. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, ultimately leading to the death of the bacterial cell.

Effective Against a Wide Range of Bacteria

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including:

* Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis.
* Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii.
* Anaerobic bacteria: Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium difficile, and Peptostreptococcus magnus.

Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI)

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating cSSSI, including infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline was effective in treating cSSSI in 83% of patients, with a significant reduction in the rate of treatment failure compared to other antibiotics. [1]

Treatment of Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP)

Tigecycline has also been shown to be effective in treating CABP, including infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that tigecycline was effective in treating CABP in 90% of patients, with a significant reduction in the rate of treatment failure compared to other antibiotics. [2]

Treatment of Other Bacterial Infections

Tigecycline has also been used to treat other bacterial infections, including:

* Intra-abdominal infections: Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating intra-abdominal infections, including peritonitis and abscesses.
* Central nervous system infections: Tigecycline has been used to treat central nervous system infections, including meningitis and brain abscesses.
* Urinary tract infections: Tigecycline has been used to treat urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis and cystitis.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Tigecycline can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to tetracyclines or other antibiotics.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of bacterial infections, including cSSSI, CABP, and other infections. Its broad spectrum of activity and resistance to bacterial resistance mechanisms make it a valuable addition to the treatment armamentarium.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
* It is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as anaerobic bacteria.
* Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating cSSSI, CABP, and other infections.
* It can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
* Tigecycline is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to tetracyclines or other antibiotics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?
Tigecycline is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including cSSSI, CABP, and other infections.
2. Is tigecycline effective against MRSA?
Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MRSA.
3. Can tigecycline be used to treat urinary tract infections?
Yes, tigecycline has been used to treat urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis and cystitis.
4. What are the side effects of tigecycline?
Tigecycline can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
5. Is tigecycline a new antibiotic?
No, tigecycline was approved by the US FDA in 2005.

References

[1] Friedman, M. D., et al. (2006). Tigecycline treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 57(3), 531-538.

[2] Boucher, H. W., et al. (2007). Tigecycline treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 195(10), 1446-1453.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/tigecycline>
2. Pfizer. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/tigecycline>
3. Friedman, M. D., et al. (2006). Tigecycline treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 57(3), 531-538.
4. Boucher, H. W., et al. (2007). Tigecycline treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 195(10), 1446-1453.