Tigecycline: The Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Multi-Drug Resistant Infections
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. It is a glycylcycline derivative of tetracycline and is effective against a variety of gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria. Tigecycline is typically reserved for severe infections that do not respond to other antibiotics, including those resistant to methicillin and vancomycin.
Mechanism of Action
Tigecycline works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome, thereby preventing bacterial protein synthesis and growth.
Indications
● Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (cSSTIs): Including infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA).
● Intra-abdominal Infections: Including complicated appendicitis or peritonitis.
● Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP): For severe cases resistant to other antibiotics.
Dosage and Administration
● Adults: 100 mg loading dose (first dose), followed by 50 mg every 12 hours.
● Pediatric Dosage: Loading dose is between 1.5-2 mg/kg once and maintenance dose of 1-2 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours.
Side Effects
● Common: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
● Serious: Hepatotoxicity (liver damage), pancreatitis, and hypersensitivity reactions.
Pregnancy Category: Category D – Should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Common Brands
● Tigebax, Tigerad,