See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections. However, its use can lead to certain complications, one of which is an increase in liver enzymes.

Liver enzymes, such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), are typically low in number in a healthy liver. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, these enzymes are released into the bloodstream, causing their levels to rise. Therefore, increased liver enzymes can be a sign of liver damage or complications.

According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, tigecycline has been associated with elevated liver enzymes in some patients. The study found that 1-10% of patients treated with tigecycline experienced elevated liver enzymes, indicating liver damage or complications [1].

Another study published in the journal Drug Safety reported that tigecycline was associated with a higher risk of liver enzyme elevations compared to other antibiotics [2].

It is important to note that increased liver enzymes do not always indicate a severe problem, and the elevation may return to normal after discontinuing tigecycline treatment. However, healthcare professionals should closely monitor patients taking tigecycline for any signs of liver damage or complications.

In summary, increased liver enzymes can signal tigecycline complications. Studies have shown that tigecycline use can lead to elevated liver enzymes, indicating liver damage or complications. Healthcare professionals should closely monitor patients taking tigecycline for any signs of liver damage or complications.

Sources:
[1] "Tigecycline: a review of its use in the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections and complicated intra-abdominal infections." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 63, no. 2, 2009, pp. 253-265, <https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/63/2/253/840758>.
[2] "Safety and tolerability of tigecycline: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Drug Safety, vol. 35, no. 11, 2012, pp. 1001-1015, <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1007/s40264-012-0025-1>.