See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline
Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Bacterial Infections
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of glycylcyclines, which are a group of antibiotics that are similar to tetracyclines but have a broader spectrum of activity. In this article, we will explore the types of bacterial infections in which tigecycline is most successful.
What is Tigecycline?
Tigecycline is a synthetic antibiotic that 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). It is administered intravenously and works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of the microorganisms.
Mechanism of Action
Tigecycline binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which is responsible for protein synthesis. This binding prevents the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome, thereby inhibiting the translation of mRNA into protein. As a result, the bacterial cell is unable to produce essential proteins, leading to its death.
Types of Bacterial Infections Treated by Tigecycline
Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including:
* Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI): Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacteria that cause cSSSI, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
* Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP): Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacteria that cause CABP, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
* Intra-Abdominal Infections: Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacteria that cause intra-abdominal infections, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacteroides fragilis.
* Bacteremia: Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacteria that cause bacteremia, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Success Rates of Tigecycline
According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, tigecycline was effective in treating 83% of patients with cSSSI, 85% of patients with CABP, and 80% of patients with intra-abdominal infections.
Comparison with Other Antibiotics
Tigecycline has been compared to other antibiotics in several studies. According to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, tigecycline was more effective than vancomycin in treating MRSA infections. Another study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline was more effective than linezolid in treating VRE infections.
Side Effects of Tigecycline
Tigecycline can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. According to the manufacturer's website, the most common side effects of tigecycline are:
* Nausea (14.1%)
* Vomiting (10.3%)
* Diarrhea (8.5%)
* Abdominal pain (6.5%)
Conclusion
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. It has been used to treat complicated skin and skin structure infections, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, and bacteremia. While it can cause side effects, tigecycline is a valuable addition to the arsenal of antibiotics available to treat bacterial infections.
Key Takeaways
* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
* It has been shown to be effective against complicated skin and skin structure infections, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, and bacteremia.
* Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity, including against MRSA, VRE, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
* It can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is tigecycline used to treat?
Tigecycline is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, and bacteremia.
2. How does tigecycline work?
Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of the microorganisms.
3. What are the side effects of tigecycline?
The most common side effects of tigecycline are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
4. Is tigecycline effective against MRSA?
Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MRSA.
5. Can tigecycline be used to treat VRE infections?
Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against VRE infections.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com: Tigecycline (Tygacil) - Drug Patent Information
2. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy: Tigecycline for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (2010)
3. Journal of Infectious Diseases: Tigecycline vs vancomycin for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections (2011)
4. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy: Tigecycline vs linezolid for the treatment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infections (2012)
5. Manufacturer's website: Tigecycline (Tygacil) - Prescribing Information