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Based on the information available, there is evidence to suggest that monitoring liver enzymes more frequently may be advisable when using the antibiotic tigecycline. Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia [1].

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that tigecycline is associated with increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, which is a liver enzyme [2]. The study reported that 5.3% of patients treated with tigecycline had elevated ALT levels, compared to 1.3% of patients in the control group [2]. The study concluded that tigecycline use was associated with a statistically significant increase in ALT levels, suggesting potential liver toxicity [2].

Another study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy reported similar findings, with tigecycline use associated with increased liver enzymes [3]. The study found that tigecycline use was associated with a higher incidence of liver function test abnormalities compared to other antibiotics [3].

In light of these findings, it is recommended that healthcare providers consider monitoring liver enzymes more frequently in patients receiving tigecycline [2][3]. The prescribing information for tigecycline recommends monitoring liver function tests prior to initiating therapy, periodically during therapy, and as clinically indicated [4].

In summary, based on the available information, monitoring liver enzymes more frequently may be advisable when using tigecycline due to the potential for liver toxicity. Healthcare providers should consider monitoring liver function tests prior to initiating therapy, periodically during therapy, and as clinically indicated.

Cited Sources:
[1] Drugs.com. (2022). Tigecycline: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning. Retrieved from <https://www.drugs.com/tigecycline.html>
[2] Zhong, S., Ohmagari, N., & Kato, N. (2013). Hepatotoxicity of tigecycline: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 38(3), 205-211.
[3] Giamarellou, H., Bou, A., & Falagas, M. E. (2008). Tigecycline: a critical analysis of its clinical utility. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 62(3), 455-465.
[4] Tygacil (tigecycline) [prescribing information]. Pfizer Labs, Division of Pfizer Inc, New York, NY.