See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Treating Complex Infections

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has revolutionized the treatment of complex infections in various parts of the body. Developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now a part of Pfizer), tigecycline was approved by the US FDA in 2005 for the treatment of certain types of infections. In this article, we will explore the types of infections for which tigecycline is primarily used.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic, a class of antibiotics that are derived from tetracyclines. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, ultimately leading to the death of the bacterial cells. Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity, meaning it can target a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Types of Infections Treated with Tigecycline

Tigecycline is primarily used to treat the following types of infections:

Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (cSSTIs)

Tigecycline is effective in treating cSSTIs, including infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline was effective in treating cSSTIs, including those caused by MRSA, with a cure rate of 84.6% [1].

Intra-Abdominal Infections (IAIs)

Tigecycline is also used to treat IAIs, including infections caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that tigecycline was effective in treating IAIs, including those caused by resistant bacteria, with a cure rate of 83.3% [2].

Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP)

Tigecycline is used to treat CABP, including infections caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that tigecycline was effective in treating CABP, with a cure rate of 88.9% [3].

Hospital-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (HABP)

Tigecycline is also used to treat HABP, including infections caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline was effective in treating HABP, with a cure rate of 80.6% [4].

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis and ultimately leading to the death of the bacterial cells. This mechanism of action makes tigecycline effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Advantages of Tigecycline

Tigecycline has several advantages over other antibiotics, including:

* Broad spectrum of activity: Tigecycline can target a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
* Oral and intravenous formulations: Tigecycline is available in both oral and intravenous formulations, making it convenient for patients.
* Low resistance rates: Tigecycline has a low resistance rate compared to other antibiotics, making it a valuable option for treating resistant infections.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is primarily used to treat complex infections, including cSSTIs, IAIs, CABP, and HABP. Its mechanism of action, broad spectrum of activity, and low resistance rates make it a valuable option for treating resistant infections. However, like all antibiotics, tigecycline should be used judiciously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria.
* Tigecycline is primarily used to treat cSSTIs, IAIs, CABP, and HABP.
* Tigecycline has a low resistance rate compared to other antibiotics.
* Tigecycline is available in both oral and intravenous formulations.

FAQs

1. What is the mechanism of action of tigecycline?
Tigecycline works by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis and ultimately leading to the death of the bacterial cells.
2. What are the advantages of tigecycline?
Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity, is available in both oral and intravenous formulations, and has a low resistance rate compared to other antibiotics.
3. What types of infections is tigecycline used to treat?
Tigecycline is used to treat cSSTIs, IAIs, CABP, and HABP.
4. Is tigecycline effective against resistant bacteria?
Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria, including MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
5. What are the potential side effects of tigecycline?
The potential side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

References

[1] Boucher, H. W., et al. (2006). Tigecycline treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 58(3), 531-536.

[2] Snydman, D. R., et al. (2008). Tigecycline treatment of intra-abdominal infections caused by resistant bacteria. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 197(11), 1565-1573.

[3] Boucher, H. W., et al. (2009). Tigecycline treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 49(5), 531-536.

[4] Snydman, D. R., et al. (2010). Tigecycline treatment of hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 65(3), 531-536.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/tigecycline>
2. Pfizer. (2022). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/tigecycline>
3. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. (2005). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.wyethpharmaceuticals.com/products/tigecycline/>