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 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 that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. It is a derivative of minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, and has a similar mechanism of action. However, tigecycline has a broader spectrum of activity and is more stable against many of the enzymes that can inactivate tetracyclines.

Approved Indications for Tigecycline

Tigecycline is approved for the treatment of the following bacterial infections:

* Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI): Tigecycline is indicated for the treatment of cSSSI, including infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), and other resistant bacteria.
* Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP): Tigecycline is indicated for the treatment of CABP, including infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and other bacteria.
* Abdominal Infections: Tigecycline is also approved for the treatment of abdominal infections, including peritonitis and intra-abdominal infections.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which is responsible for protein synthesis. This binding inhibits the action of the ribosome and prevents the production of essential proteins, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

Spectrum of Activity

Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity against many types of bacteria, including:

* Gram-positive bacteria: Tigecycline is active against MRSA, VRE, and other resistant gram-positive bacteria.
* Gram-negative bacteria: Tigecycline is active against many gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.
* Anaerobic bacteria: Tigecycline is active against many anaerobic bacteria, including Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium difficile.

Resistance to Tigecycline

Resistance to tigecycline is a growing concern, particularly among gram-negative bacteria. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the incidence of tigecycline resistance among gram-negative bacteria increased from 2.4% in 2005 to 12.1% in 2012 [1].

Dosage and Administration

Tigecycline is typically administered intravenously (IV) over a period of 30-60 minutes. The recommended dosage is 100 mg IV every 12 hours for the first 7-10 days, followed by 50 mg IV every 12 hours for the remaining treatment duration.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Tigecycline is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Its mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, and resistance profile make it a valuable option for treating complicated skin and skin structure infections, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, and abdominal infections. However, resistance to tigecycline is a growing concern, and its use should be reserved for cases where other antibiotics are not effective.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been used to treat complicated skin and skin structure infections, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, and abdominal infections.
* Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria.
* Resistance to tigecycline is a growing concern, particularly among gram-negative bacteria.
* Tigecycline is typically administered intravenously over a period of 30-60 minutes.
* Common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the recommended dosage of tigecycline?
The recommended dosage of tigecycline is 100 mg IV every 12 hours for the first 7-10 days, followed by 50 mg IV every 12 hours for the remaining treatment duration.
2. What are the common side effects of tigecycline?
Common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
3. Is tigecycline effective against MRSA?
Yes, tigecycline is effective against MRSA.
4. Can tigecycline be used to treat CABP?
Yes, tigecycline is approved for the treatment of CABP.
5. Is tigecycline available in oral form?
No, tigecycline is only available in intravenous (IV) form.

References

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Treating Bacterial Infections. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/tigecycline/>

[2] ClinicalTrials.gov. (2022). Tigecycline for the Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections. Retrieved from <https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00214378>

[3] Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. (2005). Tygacil (tigecycline) for injection. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/021-732s000lbl.pdf>

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com
2. ClinicalTrials.gov
3. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals