Tigecycline

Tigecycline is an injection that is in a class of medication called tetracycline antibiotics. This is used in certain serious infections. The FDA has already approved this prescription.

What condition does Tigecycline treat?

Tigecycline is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of:

• Community-acquired pneumonia is a lung infection that developed in a person who has not in the hospital
• Infections of the abdomen which is an area between the waist and the chest
• Skin infections

This prescription is not used for the treatment of foot infections in people with diabetes or pneumonia that developed in people who are on ventilators. 

How does Tigecycline work?

Tigecycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that has movement in contradiction of a large number of bacteria. This medicine binds to bacterial ribosomes which creates the proteins of the cells. The binding stops bacterial ribosomes from making essential proteins required for bacterial development and growth. Tigecycline thus prevents the bacteria that cause serious infections from multiplying. 

What is the dosage of Tigecycline?

Follow all the instructions on your prescription label. Do not use this medication in smaller or larger amounts or for longer than given by your doctor. Use a disposable syringe only once. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Tigecycline is usually given once every 12 hours. The medication must be given slowly and each IV infusion may take 30-60 minutes to complete. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully. This medication is injected through an IV. You might perhaps be presented with how to use an IV at home. If you do not understand how to use the injection, do not give yourself this medicine. You should also know how to properly dispose of IV tubing, needles, and other items used. If you need further information, you may contact your healthcare provider. Before the infection is completely cleared your symptoms may improve. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Missing doses might increase your risk of being infected with some other illness that is resistant to antibiotics.

This is a powder medication that should be mixed with a diluent or liquid in an IV bag before using it. Make sure that you understand how to correctly mix and store the medication if you are using one at home. Prepare the dosage only when you are ready to give an injection. After mixing, the liquid must appear orange or yellow color. If the medicine has changed to black or green or if it has any particles in it do not use the medication. Call your pharmacist for a new prescription.

Do not give any of the following medications through the same IV line used to give your Tigecycline injection:

• Esomeprazole
• Amphotericin B
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Amphotericin B lipid complex
  

What are the precautions in using Tigecycline?

• Other medications may interact with Tigecycline including prescription and over-the-counter prescriptions, herbal products, and vitamins. Tell your health care providers about all medications you use now and any medication you start or stop using.
• Antibiotic drugs can cause diarrhea which could be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is bloody or watery, tell to your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrhea treatment unless it is given by your doctor.
• Avoid being exposed to tanning beds or sunlight. This medication can make you sunburn more easily. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you are outdoors.
• Before using tigecycline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to tetracyclines or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that cause an allergic reaction or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• This drug may make you dizzy. Do not use machinery, drive, or do activities that need your full alertness until you can do it safely.
• Tigecycline may cause live bacterial vaccines to not work as well. Do not have any vaccinations or immunizations while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
• Inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or pregnant. You must not become pregnant while using this medication. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.