See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Treating Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been widely used to treat a range of bacterial infections. But which specific bacteria does tigecycline primarily treat? In this article, we'll delve into the world of tigecycline and explore its mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, and clinical applications.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that was approved by the US FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI). It is a semi-synthetic derivative of minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacterial cells. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex. This prevents the formation of a peptide bond between amino acids, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis.

Spectrum of Activity

Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity against a wide range of bacteria, including:

* Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis
* Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii
* Anaerobic bacteria: Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium perfringens, and Fusobacterium nucleatum

Clinical Applications

Tigecycline is primarily used to treat infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, including:

* MDR Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
* MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa
* MDR Acinetobacter baumannii
* MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae

Treatment of MDR Bacteria

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating infections caused by MDR bacteria, including those resistant to other antibiotics such as vancomycin and imipenem. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline was effective in treating MDR Acinetobacter baumannii infections, with a clinical cure rate of 75% (1).

Comparison to Other Antibiotics

Tigecycline has been compared to other antibiotics, including linezolid and daptomycin, in terms of its efficacy and safety. A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that tigecycline was non-inferior to linezolid in treating cSSSI, with a similar clinical cure rate (2).

Side Effects and Contraindications

Tigecycline is generally well-tolerated, but like all antibiotics, it can cause side effects, including:

* Nausea and vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Abdominal pain
* Headache
* Dizziness

Tigecycline is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to tetracyclines or glycylcyclines.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been shown to be effective in treating a range of bacterial infections, including those caused by MDR bacteria. Its mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, and clinical applications make it a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antibiotics.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis in bacterial cells.
* It has a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including MDR bacteria.
* Tigecycline is primarily used to treat infections caused by MDR bacteria, including MRSA, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and MDR Acinetobacter baumannii.
* It has been shown to be effective in treating MDR Acinetobacter baumannii infections, with a clinical cure rate of 75%.
* Tigecycline is generally well-tolerated, but can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?
Tigecycline is used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI).
2. What is the mechanism of action of tigecycline?
Tigecycline inhibits protein synthesis in bacterial cells by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.
3. What is the spectrum of activity of tigecycline?
Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including MDR bacteria.
4. Is tigecycline effective against MDR bacteria?
Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating infections caused by MDR bacteria, including MRSA, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and MDR Acinetobacter baumannii.
5. What are the common side effects of tigecycline?
The common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

References

1. "Tigecycline for the treatment of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections: a retrospective study" (Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2015)
2. "Tigecycline versus linezolid for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections: a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial" (Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2011)

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/tigecycline>
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/antibiotics/tigecycline.html>
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/trade_law/tigecycline/en/>