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Tigecycline: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Dosage and Administration

Introduction

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the glycylcycline class of antibiotics. It is used to treat various infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. In this article, we will delve into the dosage and administration of tigecycline, including how many times a day it is usually given.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a semi-synthetic derivative of minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic. It was first approved by the US FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI). Since then, it has been approved for the treatment of various other infections, including community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) and hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP).

Dosage and Administration

The dosage and administration of tigecycline vary depending on the type of infection being treated and the patient's renal function. According to the prescribing information, tigecycline is usually administered intravenously (IV) over a period of 30-60 minutes.

How Many Times a Day is Tigecycline Usually Given?

Tigecycline is usually given twice a day, every 12 hours. This dosing regimen is based on the results of clinical trials, which have shown that twice-daily dosing is effective in achieving therapeutic concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream.

Example of Tigecycline Dosage Regimen

For adults with cSSSI or cIAI, the recommended dosage of tigecycline is 100 mg IV every 12 hours for 5-14 days. For patients with CABP or HABP, the recommended dosage is 100 mg IV every 12 hours for 5-7 days.

Factors Affecting Tigecycline Dosage

The dosage of tigecycline may need to be adjusted in patients with renal impairment. According to the prescribing information, patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) should receive a reduced dose of 50 mg IV every 12 hours.

Drug Interactions

Tigecycline may interact with other medications, including warfarin, phenytoin, and carbamazepine. Patients taking these medications should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity.

Side Effects

Common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Less common side effects include headache, dizziness, and insomnia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is usually given twice a day, every 12 hours, for the treatment of various infections. The dosage and administration of tigecycline may need to be adjusted in patients with renal impairment, and the drug may interact with other medications.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is usually given twice a day, every 12 hours.
* The dosage and administration of tigecycline may need to be adjusted in patients with renal impairment.
* Tigecycline may interact with other medications, including warfarin, phenytoin, and carbamazepine.
* Common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: What is the recommended dosage of tigecycline for adults with cSSSI or cIAI?
A: The recommended dosage of tigecycline for adults with cSSSI or cIAI is 100 mg IV every 12 hours for 5-14 days.
2. Q: How often is tigecycline usually given?
A: Tigecycline is usually given twice a day, every 12 hours.
3. Q: What are the common side effects of tigecycline?
A: Common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
4. Q: Can tigecycline interact with other medications?
A: Yes, tigecycline may interact with other medications, including warfarin, phenytoin, and carbamazepine.
5. Q: How should tigecycline be administered?
A: Tigecycline should be administered intravenously (IV) over a period of 30-60 minutes.

Sources

1. Tigecycline Prescribing Information. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. 2020.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. Tigecycline. 2020.
3. ClinicalTrials.gov. Tigecycline for the Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections. 2005.
4. National Institutes of Health. Tigecycline. 2020.
5. MedlinePlus. Tigecycline. 2020.

Note: The above article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for specific dosing and administration instructions.