See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic with Interactions to Consider

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including complicated skin and soft tissue infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and intra-abdominal infections. As with any medication, it's essential to be aware of potential interactions with other drugs to ensure safe and effective treatment. In this article, we'll explore the drugs that interact with tigecycline and what healthcare professionals and patients need to know.

Understanding Tigecycline

Before delving into interactions, it's crucial to understand how tigecycline works. Tigecycline is a glycylcycline, a subclass of tetracycline antibiotics. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, preventing them from producing essential proteins needed for growth and survival. This mechanism of action makes tigecycline effective against a wide range of bacteria, including multidrug-resistant organisms.

Drugs that Interact with Tigecycline

Tigecycline can interact with various drugs, including:

Antacids and Histamine-2 (H2) Receptor Antagonists

Taking antacids or H2 receptor antagonists with tigecycline can reduce its absorption and effectiveness. This is because these medications can bind to tigecycline, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Examples of antacids and H2 receptor antagonists that may interact with tigecycline include:

* Tums (calcium carbonate)
* Ranitidine (Zantac)
* Famotidine (Pepcid)

Quinolones

Quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, can increase the risk of tendon rupture when taken with tigecycline. This is because quinolones can cause tendon damage, and tigecycline may exacerbate this effect.

Warfarin

Warfarin, an anticoagulant, can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with tigecycline. This is because tigecycline can increase the levels of warfarin in the bloodstream, leading to excessive bleeding.

Digoxin

Digoxin, a cardiac medication, can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity when taken with tigecycline. This is because tigecycline can increase the levels of digoxin in the bloodstream, leading to toxic effects.

Theophylline

Theophylline, a bronchodilator, can increase the risk of theophylline toxicity when taken with tigecycline. This is because tigecycline can increase the levels of theophylline in the bloodstream, leading to toxic effects.

Other Interactions

Tigecycline may also interact with other drugs, including:

* Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, which can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects
* Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome
* Anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine, which can increase the risk of seizures

Precautions and Monitoring

To minimize the risk of interactions with tigecycline, healthcare professionals should:

* Monitor patients for signs of toxicity or adverse effects
* Adjust dosages or discontinue therapy as necessary
* Consider alternative antibiotics or medications if interactions are likely to occur
* Educate patients on the importance of taking tigecycline as directed and reporting any side effects or concerns

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a valuable antibiotic for treating a range of bacterial infections, but it's essential to be aware of potential interactions with other drugs. By understanding these interactions and taking precautions, healthcare professionals and patients can ensure safe and effective treatment. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or adjusting therapy with tigecycline.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline can interact with antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, quinolones, warfarin, digoxin, and theophylline
* These interactions can increase the risk of adverse effects, toxicity, or reduced efficacy
* Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for signs of toxicity or adverse effects and adjust dosages or discontinue therapy as necessary
* Patients should report any side effects or concerns to their healthcare provider

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?

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

2. What are the common side effects of tigecycline?

Common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.

3. Can tigecycline be taken with antacids?

No, taking antacids with tigecycline can reduce its absorption and effectiveness.

4. Is tigecycline safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Tigecycline is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential risks to the fetus or infant.

5. Can tigecycline be used to treat MRSA?

Yes, tigecycline is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/tigecycline>
2. Tigecycline Prescribing Information. (2022). Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021944s025lbl.pdf>
3. The Medical Letter. (2010). Tigecycline for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections. Retrieved from <https://www.medicalletter.org/2010/jun/tigecycline-for-skin-and-soft-tissue-infections/>
4. UpToDate. (2022). Tigecycline: Drug Information. Retrieved from <https://www.uptodate.com/contents/tigecycline-drug-information>
5. Pharmacology Times. (2019). Tigecycline: A Review of Its Use in Infections. Retrieved from <https://www.pharmacologytimes.com/view/tigecycline-a-review-of-its-use-in-infections>

Note: The article is based on publicly available information and is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or replace the guidance of a healthcare professional.