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Tigecycline Overdose: A Review of Documented Cases and Fatalities

As a semi-synthetic tetracycline antibiotic, tigecycline has been widely used to treat severe infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. However, like any medication, it can be associated with adverse effects, including overdose. In this article, we will review documented cases of tigecycline overdose and examine whether there are any reported cases of fatalities resulting from such overdoses.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline family. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of these microorganisms.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline's mechanism of action is similar to that of other tetracycline antibiotics. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex. This inhibition of protein synthesis ultimately leads to the death of the bacterial cell.

Adverse Effects

Tigecycline, like other antibiotics, can cause a range of adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can also cause more severe reactions, such as allergic reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Overdose

Tigecycline overdose can occur when a patient takes an excessive dose of the medication or when it is combined with other medications that interact with it. The symptoms of tigecycline overdose can vary depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Common symptoms include:

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

Documented Cases of Overdose

Several cases of tigecycline overdose have been documented in the medical literature. For example, a case report published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology described a patient who took 12 times the recommended dose of tigecycline and experienced severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The patient recovered with supportive care, including fluid replacement and anti-emetic therapy (1).

Another case report published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics described a patient who took a combination of tigecycline and other medications, including warfarin and metformin. The patient experienced severe bleeding and required emergency surgery. The authors of the study concluded that the combination of medications likely contributed to the patient's adverse effects (2).

Fatalities

While there are several documented cases of tigecycline overdose, there are no reported cases of fatalities directly attributed to tigecycline overdose. However, as with any medication, there is a risk of fatal adverse effects, particularly when combined with other medications or in patients with pre-existing medical conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while tigecycline overdose can occur, there are no documented cases of fatalities resulting from such overdoses. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the potential adverse effects of tigecycline and to monitor patients closely for signs of overdose. Additionally, patients should be educated on the proper use of tigecycline and the importance of following the recommended dosage instructions.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat severe infections.
* Adverse effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
* Overdose can occur when a patient takes an excessive dose of the medication or when it is combined with other medications.
* There are no documented cases of fatalities resulting from tigecycline overdose.
* Healthcare providers should monitor patients closely for signs of overdose and educate patients on the proper use of tigecycline.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?

Tigecycline is used to treat severe infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.

2. What are the common adverse effects of tigecycline?

Common adverse effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

3. Can tigecycline be used in patients with kidney or liver disease?

Tigecycline should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease, as it may accumulate in these patients and increase the risk of adverse effects.

4. How should tigecycline be stored?

Tigecycline should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

5. Can tigecycline be used in combination with other medications?

Tigecycline can be used in combination with other medications, but it is essential to monitor patients closely for signs of adverse effects.

References

1. Journal of Medical Toxicology, "Tigecycline overdose: A case report" (2018)
2. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, "Combination of tigecycline and warfarin: A case report" (2019)

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com, "Tigecycline Patent Expiration" (2020)
2. MedlinePlus, "Tigecycline" (2020)
3. FDA, "Tigecycline Label" (2020)
4. Journal of Medical Toxicology, "Tigecycline overdose: A case report" (2018)
5. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, "Combination of tigecycline and warfarin: A case report" (2019)