Generic medicine

Tigecycline: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum intravenous glycylcycline antibiotic active against many multidrug-resistant organisms.

Forms:IV Infusion

About Tigecycline

Indications of Tigecycline

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum intravenous glycylcycline antibiotic active against many multidrug-resistant organisms. Because of a boxed warning for increased mortality risk relative to other antibiotics, it is generally reserved for situations in which alternative treatment options are not suitable.

FDA-approved indications

  • Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) caused by susceptible organisms.
  • Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) caused by susceptible organisms.
  • Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) caused by susceptible organisms.

Other/limited-use indications

  • Used as part of combination regimens for selected infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms (e.g. carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii) when guided by susceptibility testing and infectious disease specialist input; this is an off-label/adjunct use reserved for infections with limited alternative options.

Tigecycline is not indicated for treatment of diabetic foot infections or hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated pneumonia, for which clinical trials showed inferior outcomes.

Dosage & Administration of Tigecycline

Tigecycline is given only by slow intravenous infusion. The usual regimen is an initial (loading) dose followed by a lower maintenance dose given every 12 hours.

IndicationAdult dosingTypical duration
Complicated skin and skin structure infectionsInitial 100 mg IV, then 50 mg IV every 12 hours5–14 days
Complicated intra-abdominal infectionsInitial 100 mg IV, then 50 mg IV every 12 hours5–14 days
Community-acquired bacterial pneumoniaInitial 100 mg IV, then 50 mg IV every 12 hours7–14 days

Dose adjustment

  • Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C): Initial 100 mg, then reduce maintenance dose to 25 mg every 12 hours; monitor response closely.
  • Renal impairment (including dialysis): No dose adjustment required.
  • Elderly: No dose adjustment based on age alone.

Administration

Reconstitute and dilute as directed (see Reconstitution) and infuse intravenously over approximately 30 to 60 minutes; the 100 mg initial dose is generally infused over about 30–60 minutes.

Antibiotic stewardship: Take exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice. Completing the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve early, helps prevent treatment failure and antibiotic resistance.

Side Effects of Tigecycline

Very common / common

  • Nausea and vomiting (among the most frequent reasons for discontinuation)
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain, dyspepsia
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Injection/infusion site reactions (pain, inflammation, phlebitis)
  • Elevated liver enzymes (transaminases)

Serious (see Precautions and Warnings for full detail)

  • Increased risk of death compared with other antibiotics (boxed warning)
  • Hepatotoxicity, including liver failure
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, ranging from mild to life-threatening colitis
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and severe skin reactions
  • Tooth discoloration/enamel hypoplasia if exposed during tooth development

Report any severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms to your physician promptly.

Contraindications of Tigecycline

Tigecycline is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Tigecycline or to any tetracycline-class antibiotic (e.g. doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline), due to the risk of cross-reactivity and serious allergic reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tigecycline

What is Tigecycline used for?

Tigecycline is an intravenous antibiotic used to treat certain complicated infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia caused by susceptible bacteria. Because of a safety signal for increased mortality seen in clinical trials, it is generally reserved for situations where other antibiotics are not suitable options.

Why does Tigecycline carry a boxed warning?

Clinical trials found that patients treated with Tigecycline had a higher risk of death compared with those treated with other antibiotics across various infection types. The exact reason isn't fully understood, so Tigecycline is reserved for use when alternative treatments are not appropriate, and it should only be used under close medical supervision.

Can Tigecycline be used during pregnancy?

Tigecycline should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, because tetracycline-class drugs like Tigecycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration and affect bone development in the unborn baby. Always consult your physician before using Tigecycline if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Is Tigecycline safe for children?

Safety and effectiveness of Tigecycline in patients under 18 have not been firmly established, and it can cause permanent tooth discoloration and affect bone growth if used during tooth development (before about age 8). It is generally avoided in young children unless no other suitable treatment exists, and any use requires close physician supervision.

How is Tigecycline given?

Tigecycline is given only as a slow intravenous infusion in a hospital or clinical setting, usually as an initial 100 mg dose followed by 50 mg every 12 hours, infused over about 30 to 60 minutes. It cannot be taken by mouth or given as an injection into the muscle.

What side effects should I watch for with Tigecycline?

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Seek urgent medical attention for signs of liver problems (yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine), severe or persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), severe watery or bloody diarrhea (possible C. difficile infection), or any signs of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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