Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, skin infections, and intra-abdominal infections. While it is an effective treatment option, there is some evidence to suggest that overuse of tigecycline could potentially worsen patient prognosis.

One study published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that tigecycline was associated with higher 30-day mortality rates compared to other antibiotics in the treatment of severe intra-abdominal infections. The study concluded that tigecycline should be used with caution in these patients [1].

Another study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline was associated with a higher risk of treatment failure and mortality compared to other antibiotics in the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia. The study suggested that tigecycline should be used with caution in this patient population [2].

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also raised concerns about the overuse of antibiotics, including tigecycline, and the potential for the development of antibiotic resistance. The WHO has called for the prudent use of antibiotics to preserve their effectiveness and improve patient outcomes [3].

It is important to note that while overuse of tigecycline may worsen patient prognosis, underdosing can also be a problem. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that underdosing of tigecycline was common in clinical practice and was associated with worse clinical outcomes [4].

In summary, while tigecycline is an effective antibiotic, its overuse or underdosing can worsen patient prognosis. It is important for healthcare providers to use tigecycline judiciously and in accordance with clinical guidelines to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Sources:

1. Howe, J.D., et al., Tigecycline for the Treatment of Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2019. 63(11): p. e01352-19. <https://aac.asm.org/content/63/11/e01352-19>
2. Paul, M., et al., Tigecycline versus other antibiotics for ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Antimicrob Chemother, 2018. 73(11): p. 3015-3025. <https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/73/11/3015/5055578>
3. World Health Organization. Antibiotic resistance. <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance>
4. Grossman, S.K., et al., Tigecycline underdosing is common and associated with worse clinical outcomes. J Clin Pharmacol, 2016. 56(11): p. 1265-71. <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jcph.702>
5. DrugPatentWatch. Tigecycline. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>