See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Effective Treatment of Bacterial Infections

Tigecycline, a member of the tetracycline family, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been widely used to treat a range of bacterial infections. Developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now part of Pfizer), tigecycline was approved by the US FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).

What Bacterial Infections Does Tigecycline Treat Effectively?

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, including:

1. Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI)

Tigecycline has been approved for the treatment of cSSSI, which are infections that involve the skin and underlying tissues. These infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), and other gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

2. Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP)

Tigecycline has also been approved for the treatment of CABP, which is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria that are typically acquired in the community rather than in a hospital.

3. Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections (cIAI)

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a range of bacteria that cause cIAI, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacteroides fragilis.

4. Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI)

Tigecycline has also been used to treat cUTI, which is a type of urinary tract infection that is caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by inhibiting the protein synthesis of bacterial cells, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of bacteria. It achieves this by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacterial cells, thereby preventing the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome.

Advantages of Tigecycline

Tigecycline has several advantages that make it a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antibiotics. These include:

1. Broad-Spectrum Activity

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, including MRSA, MSSA, and other gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

2. Oral Administration

Tigecycline can be administered orally, which makes it a convenient option for patients who require treatment for a prolonged period.

3. Low Resistance Rate

Tigecycline has a low resistance rate compared to other antibiotics, which makes it a valuable option for the treatment of bacterial infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Limitations of Tigecycline

While tigecycline is a valuable antibiotic, it is not without its limitations. These include:

1. Limited Use in Pediatric Patients

Tigecycline is not approved for use in pediatric patients under the age of 12 years due to a lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population.

2. Potential for Adverse Effects

Tigecycline can cause a range of adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been shown to be effective against a range of bacterial infections, including cSSSI, CABP, cIAI, and cUTI. Its mechanism of action, broad-spectrum activity, oral administration, and low resistance rate make it a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antibiotics. However, its limited use in pediatric patients and potential for adverse effects should be taken into consideration when prescribing this antibiotic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?

Tigecycline is used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and complicated urinary tract infections.

2. How does tigecycline work?

Tigecycline works by inhibiting the protein synthesis of bacterial cells, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of bacteria.

3. Is tigecycline effective against MRSA?

Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

4. Can tigecycline be administered orally?

Yes, tigecycline can be administered orally, which makes it a convenient option for patients who require treatment for a prolonged period.

5. What are the potential adverse effects of tigecycline?

Tigecycline can cause a range of adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/tigecycline>
2. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. (2005). Tygacil (tigecycline) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2005/021734s000lbl.pdf>
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2022/index.html>
4. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. (2019). Tigecycline for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved from <https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(19)30445-5/fulltext>
5. European Medicines Agency. (2022). Tigecycline: Summary of Product Characteristics. Retrieved from <https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/product-information/tigecycline-epar-product-informationen.pdf>