See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Yes, tigecycline can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, and like many other antibiotics, it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to GI side effects [1].

Diarrhea is a common side effect of tigecycline. According to the drug's prescribing information, diarrhea occurred in 22% of patients treated with tigecycline, compared to 14% of patients treated with comparator drugs [2]. Other GI side effects associated with tigecycline include nausea (36%), vomiting (20%), and abdominal pain (12%) [2].

It is important to note that while diarrhea and other GI issues can be distressing, they are typically not serious and resolve on their own within a few days of stopping the medication [1]. However, in rare cases, tigecycline-associated diarrhea can be severe and lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and colitis [3]. Patients who experience severe or persistent diarrhea while taking tigecycline should contact their healthcare provider promptly.

In summary, tigecycline can cause diarrhea and other GI issues, but these side effects are usually not serious and resolve on their own. Patients who experience severe or persistent GI symptoms while taking tigecycline should seek medical attention.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>
[2] Tygacil (tigecycline) for injection, for intravenous use [prescribing information]. (2017). Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021727s020s021lbl.pdf>
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Antibiotic prescribing and use in doctors’ offices and emergency departments. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-hcp/outpatient-antibiotic-prescribing.html>