What are the recommended dosages for tigecycline treatment?

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