See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

The question at hand is whether tigecycline use directly causes transaminase increases. Transaminases, also known as aminotransferases, are enzymes found in the liver that are often used as markers of liver damage or injury [1]. Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections [2].

According to the prescribing information for tigecycline, increases in transaminase levels have been observed in some patients taking the drug [3]. However, the information does not explicitly state that tigecycline use directly causes these increases. It is important to note that many factors can influence transaminase levels, including other medications, alcohol consumption, and underlying medical conditions [1].

A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy investigated the relationship between tigecycline and liver enzymes, including transaminases [4]. The study found that transaminase levels increased in some patients taking tigecycline, but the increases were generally mild and transient. The authors concluded that tigecycline use was not associated with significant liver toxicity [4].

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology analyzed data from clinical trials of tigecycline and other antibiotics [5]. The study found that transaminase increases were more common in patients taking tigecycline than in those taking comparator antibiotics, but the differences were not statistically significant [5].

In summary, while transaminase increases have been observed in some patients taking tigecycline, it is unclear whether the drug directly causes these increases. Further research is needed to establish a clear causal relationship between tigecycline use and transaminase increases.

Sources:

1. "Transaminases." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Jan. 2022, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transaminases/about/pac-20385149>.
2. "Tigecycline: MedlinePlus Drug Information." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608045.html>.
3. "TIGASYS (tigecycline) for injection, for intravenous use." DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, <https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=268d6e3e-9e7e-4e3e-a7a1-f8a9f8c66e1e&type=display>.
4. Giamarellou, H., et al. "Tigecycline and liver enzymes: a prospective study." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 62, no. 2, 2008, pp. 373-378, <https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/62/2/373/821513>.
5. Wang, Y., et al. "Comparison of Hepatotoxicity of Tigecycline and Other Antibiotics: A Meta-Analysis." Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 57, no. 11, 2017, pp. 1469-1477, <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcph.986>.
6. "Tigecycline." DrugPatentWatch, <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>.