Standard Dosage for Adults
Tigecycline (Tygacil) is administered intravenously for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), and hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP). The recommended dose is 100 mg loading dose followed by 50 mg every 12 hours. Treatment duration is 5-14 days depending on infection type.[1][2]
Dosage Adjustments
No adjustments needed for renal or hepatic impairment, but use caution in severe liver disease (Child-Pugh C); reduce maintenance to 25 mg every 12 hours after 100 mg load. Tigecycline is not approved for pediatric use under 18 or pregnant patients.[1][2]
How Long Does Treatment Last?
- cSSSI: 5-14 days
- cIAI: 5-14 days
- HABP/VABP: Up to 14 days, with 100 mg every 12 hours throughout.[1]
What If a Dose Is Missed?
Administer as soon as possible, then resume schedule. Do not double dose.[1]
Common Administration Tips
Infuse over 30-60 minutes. Compatible with normal saline or dextrose. Avoid rapid infusion to minimize nausea.[2]
Why Higher Doses for Pneumonia?
FDA-approved 2013 update raised pneumonia dose to 100 mg every 12 hours due to higher MICs for pathogens like Acinetobacter, improving outcomes in trials.[1][3]
[1]: Tygacil Prescribing Information (Pfizer)
[2]: Drugs.com - Tigecycline Dosage
[3]: FDA Label Update Summary