KEY POINTS
- Tigecycline (Tygacil) is a glycylcycline antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis
- Activity is broad, including ESBL+ bacteria, carbapenemase producing bacteria, VRE, MRSA, Bacteroides fragilis, Mycobacteria and more
- DOES NOT COVER Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- NOT a good drug for blood infection, because it distributes rapidly upon IV administration
- Has a Boxed warning due to increased mortality observed in a meta-analysis of phase 3 and phase 4 clinical trials
- Beware nausea and vomiting, as it is a frequent side effect
- Typical dose is 100mg IV once followed by 50mg IV twice daily
- Has a generic product available which is much less expensive than when it was branded only
- Alternative similar drugs are eravacycline and omadacycline
RESOURCES
