See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections. One critical aspect of tigecycline therapy is monitoring liver enzymes, which can provide essential information about the patient's liver function during treatment [1].

Liver enzymes, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), are often used as biomarkers for liver health. When these enzymes are present in higher concentrations in the blood than usual, it may indicate liver damage or inflammation [2].

In the case of tigecycline, liver enzymes are monitored because this antibiotic has been associated with elevated liver enzymes in some patients [3]. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline use led to increased liver enzymes in 13% of patients, which is higher than the rate observed with other antibiotics [4].

Closely monitoring liver enzymes during tigecycline therapy allows healthcare professionals to identify potential liver issues early, enabling them to adjust treatment plans accordingly and prevent further damage [1].

In summary, liver enzymes are monitored during tigecycline therapy because tigecycline has been associated with elevated liver enzymes in some patients. Regular monitoring helps healthcare professionals detect potential liver issues early and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2021). Tigecycline. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline
[2] MedlinePlus. (2021). Liver Function Tests. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/liver-function-tests/
[3] UpToDate. (2021). Tigecycline: Drug information. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/tigecycline-drug-information
[4] Giamarellou, H., et al. (2008). A randomized, double-blind comparison of tigecycline and imipenem-cilastatin in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 61(5), 929-938. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkn053