See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including skin infections, intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired pneumonia [1]. According to the prescribing information, tigecycline has been associated with transaminase elevations [2]. Transaminases, also known as aminotransferases, are enzymes found in the liver that are released into the bloodstream during liver cell damage or death [3].

The exact mechanism by which tigecycline causes transaminase changes is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the drug may cause liver injury, leading to the release of transaminases into the bloodstream [4]. This liver injury may be due to a number of factors, including the drug's metabolism by the liver, its potential to cause mitochondrial dysfunction, or its ability to induce oxidative stress [5].

It is important to note that transaminase elevations are typically asymptomatic and may not require any specific treatment [6]. However, in some cases, transaminase elevations may indicate more severe liver injury, and therefore, it is important to monitor liver function tests in patients receiving tigecycline [2].

In summary, tigecycline has been associated with transaminase changes, which may be due to liver injury. The exact mechanism by which tigecycline causes liver injury is not fully understood, but it may be related to the drug's metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, or oxidative stress.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>.
2. Tygacil (tigecycline) [Prescribing Information]. (2017). Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc.
3. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Liver enzymes test. Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-enzymes/about/pac-20385088>.
4. Chalasani, N., Fontana, R. J., & Bonkovsky, H. L. (2014). Drug-induced liver injury. Hepatology, 59(3), 1317-1333.
5. Kelesidis, T., & Falck, D. (2015). Tigecycline: a comprehensive review of its use in the treatment of infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria. Drugs, 75(16), 1889-1911.
6. Chalasani, N., Bonkovsky, H. L., Fontana, R. J., & Roberts, J. P. (2014). Drug-induced liver injury: premium article. Clinics in liver disease, 18(2), 191-209.