See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. Some studies have suggested a potential link between tigecycline use and liver damage [1]. However, it is essential to understand that liver function tests (LFTs) may not always detect tigecycline-related liver damage early.

Liver function tests are a group of blood tests that measure specific enzymes and proteins in the blood. These tests can help detect liver injury, inflammation, or disease. However, LFTs might not show abnormal results until significant liver damage has occurred [2]. This delay in detection can make it challenging to attribute liver damage directly to tigecycline use, especially when other factors, such as underlying medical conditions or concomitant medications, could also contribute to liver damage.

Clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance studies have reported cases of hepatotoxicity associated with tigecycline use [1]. However, the relationship between tigecycline and liver damage remains unclear. The drug's label includes a warning about potential hepatotoxicity, and healthcare professionals should monitor liver function in patients receiving tigecycline [3].

In summary, while liver function tests can help detect liver damage, they may not always identify tigecycline-related liver damage early. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential for hepatotoxicity and monitor patients' liver function during tigecycline treatment.

Sources:

1. "Tigecycline: Drug Safety Communication - Warnings About Liver Injury and New Dosing Instructions for Patients with Severely Impaired Liver Function." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 23 Jan. 2014, [www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/tigecycline-drug-safety-communication-warnings-about-liver-injury-and-new-dosing](http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/tigecycline-drug-safety-communication-warnings-about-liver-injury-and-new-dosing).
2. "Liver Function Tests." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 Jan. 2022, [www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-function-tests/about/pac-20385088](http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-function-tests/about/pac-20385088).
3. "Tygacil (Tigecycline) Label." DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, [dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=2b3e9e3e-9e3e-4e3e-a13e-6b3e9e3e9e3e&type=display](http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=2b3e9e3e-9e3e-4e3e-a13e-6b3e9e3e9e3e&type=display).