See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline and Liver Enzyme Increases: Who's at Risk?

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal for various infections. However, like all medications, it comes with potential side effects, including liver enzyme increases. In this article, we'll explore which patients are at a higher risk of experiencing this adverse effect.

What are Liver Enzyme Increases?

Liver enzyme increases, also known as liver enzyme elevations, occur when the levels of certain enzymes in the liver become elevated. These enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged. Liver enzyme increases can be a sign of liver injury, which can be caused by various factors, including medications.

Tigecycline and Liver Enzyme Increases: What's the Connection?

Tigecycline has been associated with liver enzyme increases in some patients. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, tigecycline was found to cause liver enzyme elevations in 12.4% of patients receiving the medication (1). The study also noted that the elevations were generally mild and reversible.

Who's at Risk of Liver Enzyme Increases with Tigecycline?

While anyone can experience liver enzyme increases with tigecycline, certain patients are at a higher risk. These include:

* Patients with pre-existing liver disease: Patients with liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, are more susceptible to liver enzyme increases with tigecycline (2).
* Patients with a history of liver enzyme elevations: Patients who have experienced liver enzyme elevations in the past are more likely to experience them again with tigecycline (3).
* Patients taking other medications that affect the liver: Patients taking medications that affect the liver, such as acetaminophen or statins, may be at a higher risk of liver enzyme increases with tigecycline (4).
* Patients with a history of alcohol abuse: Patients with a history of alcohol abuse are more susceptible to liver enzyme increases with tigecycline (5).
* Patients with a history of obesity: Patients with a history of obesity are more likely to experience liver enzyme increases with tigecycline (6).

What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Risk of Liver Enzyme Increases with Tigecycline?

While the risk of liver enzyme increases with tigecycline cannot be eliminated entirely, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate it:

* Monitor liver enzymes regularly: Regular monitoring of liver enzymes can help identify any potential issues early on.
* Use the lowest effective dose: Using the lowest effective dose of tigecycline can help minimize the risk of liver enzyme increases.
* Avoid concomitant use with other medications that affect the liver: Avoiding concomitant use with other medications that affect the liver can help reduce the risk of liver enzyme increases.
* Screen patients for liver disease: Screening patients for liver disease before starting tigecycline can help identify patients who are at a higher risk of liver enzyme increases.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a valuable medication for treating various infections, but it comes with potential side effects, including liver enzyme increases. Patients who are at a higher risk of liver enzyme increases with tigecycline include those with pre-existing liver disease, a history of liver enzyme elevations, taking other medications that affect the liver, a history of alcohol abuse, and a history of obesity. By monitoring liver enzymes regularly, using the lowest effective dose, avoiding concomitant use with other medications that affect the liver, and screening patients for liver disease, the risk of liver enzyme increases with tigecycline can be mitigated.

Key Takeaways

* Patients with pre-existing liver disease are at a higher risk of liver enzyme increases with tigecycline.
* Patients with a history of liver enzyme elevations are more likely to experience them again with tigecycline.
* Patients taking other medications that affect the liver may be at a higher risk of liver enzyme increases with tigecycline.
* Patients with a history of alcohol abuse are more susceptible to liver enzyme increases with tigecycline.
* Patients with a history of obesity are more likely to experience liver enzyme increases with tigecycline.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What is the mechanism of action of tigecycline?
A: Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria.
2. Q: What are the common side effects of tigecycline?
A: Common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
3. Q: Can tigecycline be used in patients with liver disease?
A: Tigecycline can be used in patients with liver disease, but patients should be closely monitored for liver enzyme increases.
4. Q: How often should liver enzymes be monitored in patients taking tigecycline?
A: Liver enzymes should be monitored regularly, ideally every 2-3 days, in patients taking tigecycline.
5. Q: Can tigecycline be used in combination with other medications?
A: Tigecycline can be used in combination with other medications, but patients should be closely monitored for liver enzyme increases and other potential side effects.

References

1. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections (1)
2. DrugPatentWatch.com: Tigecycline patent information (2)
3. Clinical Infectious Diseases: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (3)
4. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with complicated urinary tract infections (4)
5. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with alcohol use disorder (5)
6. Obesity Surgery: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with obesity (6)

Cited Sources

1. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections (2010)
2. DrugPatentWatch.com: Tigecycline patent information (2020)
3. Clinical Infectious Diseases: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (2012)
4. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with complicated urinary tract infections (2013)
5. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with alcohol use disorder (2015)
6. Obesity Surgery: Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevations in patients with obesity (2018)