See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections. It is primarily metabolized by the liver, and its clearance can be affected by liver impairment.

Liver impairment can lead to a decrease in the clearance of tigecycline, resulting in an increase in drug exposure. This can increase the risk of adverse effects associated with tigecycline, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

According to the FDA label for tigecycline, a reduced dosage is recommended for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Specifically, for patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the recommended dosage is 50 mg every 12 hours, and for patients with severe hepatic impairment, the recommended dosage is 25 mg every 12 hours. These dosage recommendations are based on pharmacokinetic studies in patients with hepatic impairment.

It is important to note that tigecycline is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment, as it is primarily excreted by the liver.

In summary, liver impairment can affect tigecycline dosing by decreasing its clearance and increasing drug exposure, leading to an increased risk of adverse effects. A reduced dosage is recommended for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Sources:

1. <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021867s013s014lbl.pdf>
2. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>