Tigecycline is the only antibiotic Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more in an antibiotic class called glycylcyclines, which are related to tetracyclines Tetracyclines Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics used to treat many different bacterial infections. Tetracyclines include the following: Doxycycline Eravacycline Minocycline read more .
Tigecycline works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow and multiply.
This drug is effective against many resistant bacteria, including those with resistance to tetracyclines. However, the risk of dying is higher with tigecycline than with other antibiotics. Thus, tigecycline is used only if no alternatives are available. Tigecycline is given intravenously.
Tigecycline
Common Uses | Some Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|
Complicated abdominal infections and complicated skin infections due to susceptible bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus (including those resistant to methicillin [such as MRSA Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous of all of the many common staphylococcal bacteria. These gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure ) often cause skin infections... read more Pneumonia | Gastrointestinal upset Sensitivity to sunlight Permanent staining of teeth in the fetus if used late in pregnancy or if taken by children under 8 years of age A higher risk of death than other antibiotics (thus tigecycline is used only if no alternatives are available) |
(See also Overview of Antibiotics Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more .)
Use of Tigecycline During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
When taken during pregnancy, tigecycline, like tetracyclines, may have harmful effects on tooth and bone development in the fetus, and is not recommended. (See also Drug Use During Pregnancy Safety of Medications During Pregnancy During pregnancy, women may need to take medications to treat new or existing health conditions. Also, certain vitamins are recommended during pregnancy. Before taking any medication (including... read more .)
Whether tigecycline is safe to use during breastfeeding is unknown. (See also Drug Use During Breastfeeding Medication and Substance Use During Breastfeeding When women who are breastfeeding have to take a medication, they wonder whether they should stop breastfeeding. The answer depends on the following: How much of the medication passes into the... read more .)
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
tigecycline |
Tygacil |
