Tigecycline (Tygacil). The Medical Letter 2005;47(1217):73-4.
Tigecycline (Tygacil) is the first of a new class of antibiotics called glycylcyclines. It is a derivative of minocycline, which has been newly approved for intravenous administration to treat complicated intra-abdominal, skin, and skin-structure infections. Tigecycline is not affected by the two major mechanisms of tetracycline resistance, ribosomal protection proteins and efflux pumps. It has a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, including many that are drug-resistant. It is not useful against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Proteus species. In clinical trials, nausea and vomiting occurred in 20% to 30% of subjects. Other adverse effects are similar to tetracyclines and include photosensitivity. Tigecycline should not be used in those younger than 18 years of age or during pregnancy. The recommended dosage is 100 mg I.V. initially followed by 50 mg I.V. every 12 hours. Use of tigecycline should be reserved for special needs so that resistance can be avoided.