Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and diabetic foot infections. It is known to cause a slight increase in liver enzymes, but the significance of this effect varies.

According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, tigecycline can cause a mild to moderate increase in liver enzymes, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [1]. However, the study also mentions that these elevations are usually asymptomatic and transient, returning to normal levels after the treatment is discontinued.

Similarly, DrugPatentWatch.com states that tigecycline has been associated with elevated liver enzymes, but the overall impact on liver function is typically minimal [2]. The website also notes that healthcare professionals should monitor liver function tests in patients receiving tigecycline therapy, particularly those with pre-existing liver disease or who are receiving concomitant medications known to affect liver function.

In summary, tigecycline can cause a mild to moderate increase in liver enzymes, but the significance of this effect is usually minimal. Healthcare professionals should monitor liver function tests in patients receiving tigecycline therapy, particularly those with pre-existing liver disease or who are receiving concomitant medications known to affect liver function.

Sources:

[1] Hwang, J., & Tollemar, J. (2014). Hepatotoxicity of tigecycline: a systematic review. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 69(1), 1-8. <https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkt423>

[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2021). Tigecycline: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>