See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Treating Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has revolutionized the treatment of complex infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now part of Pfizer), tigecycline was approved by the US FDA in 2005 for the treatment of various bacterial infections. In this article, we will explore the specific bacteria that tigecycline primarily treats and its mechanism of action.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of minocycline, a well-known tetracycline antibiotic. Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of these microorganisms.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome. This prevents the incorporation of amino acids into the growing peptide chain, ultimately leading to the death of the bacterial cell. Tigecycline is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Specific Bacteria Treated by Tigecycline

Tigecycline is primarily used to treat infections caused by the following bacteria:

* Acinetobacter baumannii: A Gram-negative bacterium that is often resistant to multiple antibiotics. Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against A. baumannii, including strains resistant to carbapenems.
* Bacteroides fragilis: A Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in the human gut. Tigecycline is effective against B. fragilis, including strains resistant to metronidazole.
* Clostridioides difficile: A Gram-positive bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis. Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against C. difficile, including strains resistant to vancomycin.
* Enterobacter cloacae: A Gram-negative bacterium that is often resistant to multiple antibiotics. Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against E. cloacae, including strains resistant to cephalosporins.
* Escherichia coli: A Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in the human gut. Tigecycline is effective against E. coli, including strains resistant to fluoroquinolones.
* Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Gram-negative bacterium that is often resistant to multiple antibiotics. Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against K. pneumoniae, including strains resistant to cephalosporins.
* Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Gram-negative bacterium that is often resistant to multiple antibiotics. Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against P. aeruginosa, including strains resistant to carbapenems.
* Staphylococcus aureus: A Gram-positive bacterium that is commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes. Tigecycline is effective against S. aureus, including strains resistant to methicillin.

Clinical Use of Tigecycline

Tigecycline is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including:

* Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI)
* Intra-abdominal infections (IAI)
* Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
* Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)
* Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, preventing the growth and multiplication of these microorganisms. Tigecycline is primarily used to treat infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridioides difficile, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria.
* Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, preventing the growth and multiplication of these microorganisms.
* Tigecycline is primarily used to treat infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridioides difficile, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
* Tigecycline is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including cSSSI, IAI, CAP, HAP, and VAP.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What is the mechanism of action of tigecycline?
A: Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, preventing the growth and multiplication of these microorganisms.
2. Q: What are the specific bacteria treated by tigecycline?
A: Tigecycline is primarily used to treat infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridioides difficile, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
3. Q: What are the clinical uses of tigecycline?
A: Tigecycline is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including cSSSI, IAI, CAP, HAP, and VAP.
4. Q: Is tigecycline effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
A: Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.
5. Q: What are the potential side effects of tigecycline?
A: The potential side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/tigecycline>
2. Pfizer. (2022). Tigecycline Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.pfizer.com/files/products/uspitigecycline.pdf>
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/biggestthreats.html>
4. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2022). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/tigecycline>
5. World Health Organization. (2022). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tigecycline>