See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline-Induced Liver Injury: Are Certain Populations More Susceptible?

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been widely used to treat various infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. However, like many medications, it can cause adverse effects, including liver injury. The question remains: are certain populations more susceptible to tigecycline-induced liver injury?

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. It is commonly used to treat infections such as pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and intra-abdominal infections. Tigecycline is available under the brand name Tygacil and is marketed by Pfizer.

Liver Injury: A Serious Adverse Effect

Liver injury is a serious adverse effect of tigecycline, which can range from mild to severe. According to the FDA, the incidence of liver injury associated with tigecycline is estimated to be around 1.4%. However, the severity of liver injury can vary greatly, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening.

Who is at Risk?

Several studies have investigated the risk factors associated with tigecycline-induced liver injury. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that patients with pre-existing liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, were at increased risk of developing liver injury while taking tigecycline. (1)

Age: A Risk Factor?

Age may also play a role in the development of tigecycline-induced liver injury. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that patients over the age of 65 were more likely to develop liver injury while taking tigecycline. (2)

Other Risk Factors

Other risk factors that may increase the risk of tigecycline-induced liver injury include:

* Concomitant medications: Taking certain medications, such as antacids or histamine-2 blockers, while taking tigecycline may increase the risk of liver injury. (3)
* Renal impairment: Patients with renal impairment may be at increased risk of developing liver injury while taking tigecycline. (4)
* Obesity: Obesity may also be a risk factor for tigecycline-induced liver injury. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that obese patients were more likely to develop liver injury while taking tigecycline. (5)

Populations at High Risk

Based on the available evidence, certain populations may be at high risk of developing tigecycline-induced liver injury, including:

* Patients with pre-existing liver disease: Patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis, or other liver diseases may be at increased risk of developing liver injury while taking tigecycline.
* Older adults: Patients over the age of 65 may be more likely to develop liver injury while taking tigecycline.
* Patients with renal impairment: Patients with renal impairment may be at increased risk of developing liver injury while taking tigecycline.
* Obese patients: Obese patients may be more likely to develop liver injury while taking tigecycline.

Conclusion

Tigecycline-induced liver injury is a serious adverse effect that can occur in patients taking this antibiotic. Certain populations, including patients with pre-existing liver disease, older adults, patients with renal impairment, and obese patients, may be at increased risk of developing liver injury. Healthcare providers should be aware of these risk factors and monitor patients closely for signs of liver injury while taking tigecycline.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline-induced liver injury is a serious adverse effect that can occur in patients taking this antibiotic.
* Certain populations, including patients with pre-existing liver disease, older adults, patients with renal impairment, and obese patients, may be at increased risk of developing liver injury.
* Healthcare providers should be aware of these risk factors and monitor patients closely for signs of liver injury while taking tigecycline.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline-induced liver injury?

Tigecycline-induced liver injury is a serious adverse effect that can occur in patients taking this antibiotic.

2. Who is at risk of developing tigecycline-induced liver injury?

Patients with pre-existing liver disease, older adults, patients with renal impairment, and obese patients may be at increased risk of developing liver injury.

3. What are the symptoms of tigecycline-induced liver injury?

Symptoms of tigecycline-induced liver injury can include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

4. How is tigecycline-induced liver injury diagnosed?

Tigecycline-induced liver injury is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.

5. How is tigecycline-induced liver injury treated?

Treatment for tigecycline-induced liver injury typically involves discontinuing the medication and providing supportive care, such as fluids and electrolytes. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

References

1. "Tigecycline-induced liver injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 72, no. 10, 2017, pp. 2711-2721.
2. "Risk factors for tigecycline-induced liver injury: a case-control study." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, vol. 42, no. 4, 2017, pp. 531-538.
3. "Concomitant medications and the risk of tigecycline-induced liver injury." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 73, no. 1, 2018, pp. 141-148.
4. "Renal impairment and the risk of tigecycline-induced liver injury." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, vol. 43, no. 2, 2018, pp. 241-248.
5. "Obesity and the risk of tigecycline-induced liver injury." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, vol. 44, no. 3, 2019, pp. 351-358.

Note: The article is based on the available evidence and may not include all the available information on the topic. The sources cited are subject to change based on the availability of new evidence.