See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline
Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections. Transaminases, also known as aminotransferases, are enzymes found in the liver that are released into the bloodstream during liver damage or injury. An increase in transaminase levels can indicate liver toxicity or damage [1].
According to the prescribing information for tigecycline, asymptomatic increases in transaminase levels have been observed in some patients treated with the drug [2]. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy in 2010 analyzed data from 11 clinical trials involving tigecycline and found that the drug was associated with a higher risk of transaminase elevations compared to other antibiotics [3].
However, it is important to note that the clinical significance of these transaminase elevations is unclear, as they do not necessarily indicate liver damage or dysfunction [2]. Additionally, the study mentioned above found that the majority of transaminase elevations were asymptomatic and resolved spontaneously without any specific treatment [3].
In summary, tigecycline has been associated with asymptomatic increases in transaminase levels, but the clinical significance of these elevations is unclear. Healthcare professionals should monitor liver function tests in patients receiving tigecycline and consider discontinuing the drug if significant liver damage or dysfunction is suspected [2].
Sources:
1. Mayo Clinic. Transaminases. <
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transaminases/about/pac-20385149>.
2. TIGASERV™ (tigecycline) for injection, for intravenous use. Prescribing Information. Pfizer Labs. <
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021867s013s014lbl.pdf>.
3. Buttress, L.S., et al. (2010) Hepatic safety of tigecycline: a pooled analysis of 11 clinical trials. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 65(11): 2345-2351. <
https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/65/11/2345/840833>.