See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and diabetic foot infections [1]. However, there is limited information available on the impact of tigecycline on alternative (alt) alanine aminotransferase (AST) levels.

Alanine aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, and muscles. When these tissues are damaged, AST is released into the bloodstream, causing an increase in AST levels. Alternative AST (alt AST) is a term used to differentiate between different forms of AST found in the blood [2].

A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy investigated the effects of tigecycline on liver function, including AST levels, in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections [3]. The study found that tigecycline treatment did not result in a significant increase in AST levels compared to the control group. However, the study did not specifically measure alternative AST levels.

It is important to note that tigecycline has been associated with hepatotoxicity, which can lead to an increase in AST levels [4]. Therefore, healthcare professionals should monitor liver function, including AST levels, in patients receiving tigecycline therapy.

In summary, based on the available information, tigecycline does not appear to have a significant impact on alternative AST levels. However, tigecycline has been associated with hepatotoxicity, which can lead to an increase in AST levels. Therefore, healthcare professionals should monitor liver function in patients receiving tigecycline therapy.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. Tigecycline. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>.
2. MedlinePlus. Alanine aminotransferase. <https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/alanine-aminotransferase/>.
3. Harbarth, S., et al. (2006). A randomized, double-blind comparison of tigecycline and imipenem-cilastatin for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 58(3), 565-573.
4. UpToDate. Tigecycline. <https://www.uptodate.com/contents/tigecycline>.