See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline
Tigecycline: A Last-Resort Antibiotic for Infections
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics. It is often referred to as a "last-resort" antibiotic due to its unique mechanism of action and limited availability. In this article, we will explore which infections primarily respond to tigecycline and what makes it a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antibiotics.
What is Tigecycline?
Tigecycline is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI). It is administered intravenously and is available in a 50mg/mL solution.
Mechanism of Action
Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the production of essential proteins. This mechanism of action makes it effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Infections that Primarily Respond to Tigecycline
Tigecycline is primarily used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria. Some of the infections that primarily respond to tigecycline include:
Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI)
Tigecycline is effective against cSSSI caused by MDR bacteria, including MRSA and VRE. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics to treat severe skin infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections (cIAI)
Tigecycline is also effective against cIAI caused by MDR bacteria, including MRSA and VRE. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics to treat severe infections of the abdominal cavity that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Bacteremia and Sepsis
Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating bacteremia and sepsis caused by MDR bacteria, including MRSA and VRE. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics to treat severe bloodstream infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Limitations and Side Effects
While tigecycline is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antibiotics, it is not without limitations and side effects. Some of the common side effects of tigecycline include:
Nausea and Vomiting
Tigecycline can cause nausea and vomiting in some patients, particularly those who are receiving the medication for an extended period.
Diarrhea
Tigecycline can also cause diarrhea in some patients, particularly those who have a history of gastrointestinal disorders.
Headache
Some patients may experience headache as a side effect of tigecycline.
Conclusion
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is primarily used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. While it is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antibiotics, it is not without limitations and side effects. As antibiotic resistance continues to be a growing concern, it is essential to use tigecycline judiciously and only when other antibiotics have failed.
Key Takeaways
* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is primarily used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
* It is effective against complicated skin and skin structure infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and bacteremia and sepsis.
* Tigecycline is often used in combination with other antibiotics to treat severe infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
* It is essential to use tigecycline judiciously and only when other antibiotics have failed.
FAQs
1. What is tigecycline used to treat?
Tigecycline is used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, including complicated skin and skin structure infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and bacteremia and sepsis.
2. What are the common side effects of tigecycline?
The common side effects of tigecycline include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.
3. Is tigecycline effective against MRSA?
Yes, tigecycline is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
4. Can tigecycline be used to treat pneumonia?
No, tigecycline is not approved for the treatment of pneumonia.
5. Is tigecycline a last-resort antibiotic?
Yes, tigecycline is often referred to as a "last-resort" antibiotic due to its unique mechanism of action and limited availability.
Cited Sources
1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/tigecycline>
2. FDA. (2005). FDA Approves Tygacil for Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections and Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-tygacil-treatment-complicated-skin-and-skin-structure-infections-and-complicated>
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Antibiotic Resistance Threats. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threats/index.html>
4. World Health Organization. (2022). Antimicrobial Resistance. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance>
5. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. (2019). Tigecycline: A Review of its Use in the Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections. Retrieved from <https://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/74/10/2511>