Tigecycline

Definition

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum glycylcycline antibiotic derived from minocycline. It is used to treat various bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to other antibiotics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tigecycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.
2. It has activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multi-drug resistant strains.
3. Tigecycline is often reserved for complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections due to its broad-spectrum activity.
4. It is not effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Proteus species.
5. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Review Questions

• What is the primary mechanism of action of tigecycline?
• Which types of infections is tigecycline commonly used to treat?
• Why might tigecycline be chosen over other antibiotics in treating certain bacterial infections?

Related terms

Glycylcycline: A class of antibiotics that includes tigecycline, known for their broad spectrum of activity.

30S Ribosomal Subunit: The smaller subunit of the bacterial ribosome where protein synthesis begins.

Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria: Bacterial strains that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, posing significant treatment challenges.