See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Effective Against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacterial Infections

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including those caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and replication of these microorganisms.

What Bacterial Infections Does Tigecycline Target?

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacterial infections, including:

Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI)

Tigecycline has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cSSSI, which are infections that affect the skin and underlying tissues. These infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), and other MDR pathogens.

Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP)

Tigecycline has also been approved for the treatment of CABP, which is a type of pneumonia that is caused by bacteria that are typically found in the community, rather than in a hospital setting. CABP can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections (cIAI)

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against cIAI, which are infections that affect the abdominal cavity and can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacteroides fragilis.

Bacterial Meningitis

Tigecycline has also been shown to be effective against bacterial meningitis, which is an infection that affects the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and replication of these microorganisms. It does this by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacterial ribosomes, thereby preventing the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome and thereby preventing the translation of messenger RNA into protein.

Advantages of Tigecycline

Tigecycline has several advantages over other antibiotics, including:

Broad-Spectrum Activity

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, including MDR pathogens.

Oral Administration

Tigecycline can be administered orally, which makes it a convenient option for patients who are unable to receive intravenous antibiotics.

Low Resistance Rate

Tigecycline has a low resistance rate, which means that it is less likely to be ineffective due to the development of resistance.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacterial infections, including those caused by MDR pathogens. Its mechanism of action, broad-spectrum activity, oral administration, and low resistance rate make it a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antibiotics available to treat bacterial infections.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections.
* It has been shown to be effective against MDR pathogens, including MRSA and VRE.
* It can be administered orally, making it a convenient option for patients who are unable to receive intravenous antibiotics.
* It has a low resistance rate, which means that it is less likely to be ineffective due to the development of resistance.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?

Tigecycline is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and bacterial meningitis.

2. How does tigecycline work?

Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and replication of these microorganisms.

3. Is tigecycline effective against MDR pathogens?

Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MDR pathogens, including MRSA and VRE.

4. Can tigecycline be administered orally?

Yes, tigecycline can be administered orally, making it a convenient option for patients who are unable to receive intravenous antibiotics.

5. What are the advantages of tigecycline?

The advantages of tigecycline include its broad-spectrum activity, oral administration, low resistance rate, and ability to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/tigecycline>
2. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. (n.d.). Tygacil (tigecycline) for Injection. Retrieved from <https://www.wyeth.com/products/tygacil.html>
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threats-report-2019/index.html>
4. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Antimicrobial Resistance. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance>
5. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. (2018). Tigecycline: a review of its use in the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections. Retrieved from <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1093/jac/dky242>

Note: The above article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns or questions.