Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and diabetic foot infections [1]. However, the overuse of tigecycline has been a growing concern due to the potential impact on patient survival rates.

Antibiotic overuse can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can result in increased morbidity and mortality rates [2]. Tigecycline, like other antibiotics, is not exempt from this risk. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline resistance was associated with increased mortality in patients with bacteremia [3].

Moreover, tigecycline has been associated with a higher mortality rate compared to other antibiotics in treating certain infections. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Infection found that tigecycline was associated with a higher mortality rate than other antibiotics in treating ventilator-associated pneumonia and healthcare-associated pneumonia [4].

It is important to note that tigecycline has a black box warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for increased mortality in patients with severe intra-abdominal infections [5]. Therefore, the overuse of tigecycline should be avoided, and its use should be restricted to cases where other antibiotics are not effective.

In summary, tigecycline overuse can impact patient survival rates due to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and its association with higher mortality rates in certain infections. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing tigecycline and consider alternative antibiotics when appropriate.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch. Tigecycline. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>.
2. World Health Organization. Antimicrobial resistance. <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance>.
3. Tsuzuki, S., et al. (2012). Tigecycline resistance and mortality in patients with bacteremia. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 67(11), 2635-2641.
4. Zhang, Y., et al. (2014). Tigecycline versus other antibiotics for the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia and healthcare-associated pneumonia: a meta-analysis. Journal of Infection, 69(3), 265-275.
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tygacil (tigecycline) for injection, for intravenous use. <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/tygacil-tigecycline-injection-intravenous-use>.