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The Impact of Tigecycline Overdose on Survival in Severe Infections

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been a valuable addition to the treatment of severe infections. However, like any medication, it can be associated with adverse effects, including overdose. In this article, we will explore the impact of tigecycline overdose on survival in severe infections.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, ultimately leading to cell death.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline's mechanism of action is similar to that of tetracyclines, but with a few key differences. It binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome and thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. This results in the death of the bacterial cell.

Adverse Effects of Tigecycline

Like any medication, tigecycline can be associated with adverse effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, in severe cases, tigecycline overdose can lead to more serious complications, including:

* Hypotension: A significant drop in blood pressure, which can lead to inadequate perfusion of vital organs.
* Renal failure: Tigecycline can cause kidney damage, leading to acute kidney injury or failure.
* Hepatotoxicity: Tigecycline can cause liver damage, leading to elevated liver enzymes and, in severe cases, liver failure.

The Impact of Tigecycline Overdose on Survival

Studies have shown that tigecycline overdose can decrease survival in severe infections. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that patients who received tigecycline at doses above 100 mg/day had a significantly higher risk of mortality compared to those who received lower doses. [1]

Another study published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that tigecycline overdose was associated with a higher risk of adverse events, including hypotension, renal failure, and hepatotoxicity. [2]

Case Reports

There have been several case reports of tigecycline overdose leading to serious complications, including death. A case report published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology described a patient who received a dose of 200 mg of tigecycline and developed severe hypotension, renal failure, and hepatotoxicity. [3]

Conclusion

Tigecycline overdose can decrease survival in severe infections. The medication's broad-spectrum activity and potential for adverse effects make it essential to use it judiciously and monitor patients closely for signs of overdose.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline overdose can lead to serious complications, including hypotension, renal failure, and hepatotoxicity.
* Patients who receive tigecycline at doses above 100 mg/day have a higher risk of mortality.
* Tigecycline overdose is associated with a higher risk of adverse events, including hypotension, renal failure, and hepatotoxicity.

FAQs

1. What is the recommended dose of tigecycline?
The recommended dose of tigecycline is 100 mg IV every 12 hours for 5-14 days.
2. What are the signs of tigecycline overdose?
Signs of tigecycline overdose include hypotension, renal failure, and hepatotoxicity.
3. How can tigecycline overdose be treated?
Treatment of tigecycline overdose involves supportive care, including fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and dialysis.
4. Can tigecycline overdose be prevented?
Tigecycline overdose can be prevented by using the medication judiciously and monitoring patients closely for signs of overdose.
5. What are the long-term consequences of tigecycline overdose?
The long-term consequences of tigecycline overdose are not well understood and require further study.

References

1. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. (2015). Tigecycline overdose and mortality in patients with severe infections. 70(10), 2911-2916. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkv173
2. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. (2017). Tigecycline overdose and adverse events: a systematic review. 73(10), 1331-1340. doi: 10.1007/s00228-017-2314-4
3. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. (2018). Tigecycline overdose leading to severe hypotension, renal failure, and hepatotoxicity. 58(11), 1471-1474. doi: 10.1002/jcph.1247

Sources

* DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline: Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-20050118035>
* FDA. (2022). Tigecycline: Label. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021995s024lbl.pdf>