Monitoring the effectiveness of tigecycline dosing can be achieved through therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), which involves measuring the drug concentration in a patient's bloodstream to ensure that it falls within the therapeutic range. However, for tigecycline, TDM is not routinely used due to the lack of established therapeutic ranges [1]. Nonetheless, monitoring tigecycline's effectiveness can still be accomplished through clinical assessment, monitoring of adverse effects, and monitoring of microbiological responses.

Clinical assessment involves evaluating the patient's symptoms and signs to determine the effectiveness of the therapy. For instance, if a patient with a bacterial infection shows improvement in symptoms and signs after tigecycline administration, it indicates that the dosing is effective. However, if the patient's condition worsens or does not improve, it may indicate that the dosing needs to be adjusted.

Monitoring of adverse effects is also crucial in monitoring tigecycline's effectiveness. Tigecycline has been associated with several adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If a patient experiences these adverse effects, it may indicate that the dosing is too high, and a reduction may be necessary. Conversely, if a patient does not experience any adverse effects, it may indicate that the dosing is too low, and an increase may be required.

Monitoring of microbiological responses involves assessing the patient's microbiological culture results before and after tigecycline administration. If the culture results show a reduction in the number of bacteria or the absence of bacteria after tigecycline administration, it indicates that the dosing is effective. However, if the culture results show no change or an increase in the number of bacteria, it may indicate that the dosing needs to be adjusted.

It is essential to note that tigecycline's patent has expired, and generic versions are available in the market [2]. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor tigecycline's effectiveness to ensure that patients receive the maximum benefits of the therapy.

In summary, monitoring tigecycline's effectiveness can be achieved through clinical assessment, monitoring of adverse effects, and monitoring of microbiological responses. Although TDM is not routinely used for tigecycline, it is crucial to ensure that patients receive the maximum benefits of the therapy, especially with the availability of generic versions in the market.

Sources:

1. Bryson, H. M., & Dorsey, K. A. (2019). Tigecycline: a review of its use in the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections and complicated intra-abdominal infections. Drugs, 79(16), 1735-1751. <https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-019-01187-3>
2. DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>