TIGECYCLINE AUSTELL
Tygecycline
What it does
Tygecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
Commonly used for: bacterial infections, skin infections, intra-abdominal infections
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Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:29:40 · updated 2026-10-21 04:02:22
About this medicine
Tygecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
What it treats
- bacterial infections
- skin infections
- intra-abdominal infections
How it works
Tygecycline works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping your body fight off the infection.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults and children over 8 years old who have certain types of bacterial infections.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: tygecycline
Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that is structurally related to the tetracyclines. It is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Tigecycline is effective against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including some strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus faecalis. It is typically reserved for complicated infections where other antibiotics may not be effective.
Indications
- Complicated skin and soft tissue infections
- Complicated intra-abdominal infections
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information.
Adults: Refer to specific clinical guidelines or the BNF for precise dosing information.
Mechanism of action
Tigecycline exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex, which halts the translation process. This mechanism is similar to that of tetracycline antibiotics but with improved efficacy against certain resistant strains due to its unique structure.
Pharmacodynamics
Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity and is particularly effective against many Gram-positive bacteria, as well as some Gram-negative bacteria. It has a longer half-life and a greater volume of distribution compared to traditional tetracyclines, allowing for effective tissue penetration. The drug's activity is concentration-dependent, and it demonstrates post-antibiotic effects against various pathogens, meaning that its efficacy continues even after serum concentrations have fallen below the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
Pharmacokinetics
After intravenous administration, tigecycline exhibits a high volume of distribution, indicating extensive tissue uptake. It is approximately 60% bound to plasma proteins. The drug is metabolized primarily by non-specific enzymes and is excreted mainly in the bile, with a small fraction appearing in the urine. The elimination half-life is approximately 27 hours, allowing for once or twice daily dosing in clinical practice. Tigecycline does not require renal adjustment, which is advantageous in patients with renal impairment.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to tigecycline or any of its components
- Pregnancy
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
- Elevated liver enzymes
Interactions
- May interact with anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding
- Potential for reduced efficacy when used with bactericidal antibiotics
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
- Monitoring for signs of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age
Pregnancy
Tigecycline is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether tigecycline is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised.
Storage
Store tigecycline at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze.
Formulations
- Injection: 50 mg/5 mL in a vial
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.