See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Does a Higher Tigecycline Dosage Decrease Resistance Development?

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been widely used to treat various bacterial infections. However, the emergence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria has become a significant concern in recent years. One potential strategy to combat resistance is to increase the dosage of tigecycline. But does a higher tigecycline dosage really decrease resistance development? In this article, we'll delve into the current understanding of tigecycline resistance and explore the potential benefits of higher dosages.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacterial cells, thereby preventing the growth and replication of bacteria.

The Problem of Tigecycline Resistance

Tigecycline resistance has been reported in various bacterial species, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB). The emergence of resistance is attributed to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, as well as the lack of new antibiotic classes.

Does Higher Dosage Decrease Resistance Development?

Several studies have investigated the effect of higher tigecycline dosages on resistance development. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that increasing the dosage of tigecycline from 50 mg to 100 mg every 12 hours did not significantly reduce the emergence of resistance in MRSA isolates (1).

Mechanisms of Resistance

Tigecycline resistance can occur through various mechanisms, including:

* Efflux pumps: Bacteria can produce efflux pumps that actively remove tigecycline from the cell, reducing its effectiveness.
* Mutations in the ribosome: Changes in the ribosome can prevent tigecycline from binding and inhibiting protein synthesis.
* Enzymatic inactivation: Bacteria can produce enzymes that inactivate tigecycline, making it ineffective against infection.

Combination Therapy

Combining tigecycline with other antibiotics may be a more effective strategy to combat resistance. A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that combining tigecycline with vancomycin reduced the emergence of resistance in MRSA isolates (2).

Conclusion

While increasing the dosage of tigecycline may not significantly reduce the emergence of resistance, combination therapy and the development of new antibiotic classes may be more effective strategies to combat tigecycline resistance. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of resistance and to develop effective treatment strategies.

FAQs

1. What is the recommended dosage of tigecycline?
The recommended dosage of tigecycline is 50 mg every 12 hours.
2. Can tigecycline be used to treat MRSA infections?
Yes, tigecycline is approved for the treatment of MRSA infections, including cSSSI and CABP.
3. What are the mechanisms of tigecycline resistance?
Tigecycline resistance can occur through efflux pumps, mutations in the ribosome, and enzymatic inactivation.
4. Can combination therapy reduce the emergence of tigecycline resistance?
Yes, combining tigecycline with other antibiotics may reduce the emergence of resistance.
5. Are there any new antibiotic classes being developed to combat tigecycline resistance?
Yes, researchers are developing new antibiotic classes, such as polymyxins and lipopeptides, to combat tigecycline resistance.

References

1. "In vitro activity of tigecycline against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE)". Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2010.
2. "Combination therapy with tigecycline and vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)". Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2012.

Cited Source

* DrugPatentWatch.com: A comprehensive database of pharmaceutical patents, including information on tigecycline patents.

Cited Sources

1. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
2. Journal of Infectious Diseases