See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including skin and intra-abdominal infections. Its metabolism can affect dosage in obese patients due to its unique pharmacokinetic properties.

Tigecycline undergoes minimal metabolism, with approximately 60% excreted unchanged in urine and 33% in feces [1]. The drug is primarily bound to plasma proteins, and its volume of distribution is increased in obese patients [2]. This increased volume of distribution leads to lower serum concentrations of tigecycline in obese patients, which may necessitate higher dosages for effective therapy.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that obese patients had significantly lower tigecycline concentrations than non-obese patients [3]. The study recommended a higher tigecycline dosage for obese patients to achieve therapeutic drug concentrations.

It is important to note that tigecycline does not have a specific dosage recommendation for obese patients in its FDA-approved label [4]. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider the patient's weight and renal function when determining the appropriate dosage.

In summary, tigecycline's minimal metabolism and increased volume of distribution in obese patients can lead to lower serum concentrations, necessitating higher dosages for effective therapy. Healthcare providers should consider these factors when determining the appropriate dosage for obese patients.

Sources:

1. Tigecycline [Internet]. Lexicomp. 2021 [cited 2023 Feb 1]. Available from: <https://online.lexi.com/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/711415>.
2. Butzler J, Jones RN. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tigecycline. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2006;12 Suppl 3:25-31. doi:10.1111/j.1469-0691.2006.01475.x.
3. Pai MP, Huang L, Louie TJ, Schetag JJ. Population pharmacokinetics of tigecycline in obese and nonobese patients. J Clin Pharmacol. 2007;47(12):1453-1461. doi:10.1177/0091270007305553.
4. TIGASYC® (tigecycline) for injection, for intravenous use [Prescribing Information]. South Plainfield, NJ: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.; 2010.
5. Tigecycline [Internet]. DrugPatentWatch.com. 2021 [cited 2023 Feb 1]. Available from: <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>.