Drug Use Evaluation of Tigecycline

Tigecycline is a wide-spectrum intravenous glycylcycline and is generally active against most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including anaerobes, atypical bacteria and many species of multidrug-resistant bacteria. This agent presents a predictable pharmacokinetic profile and minimal drug interaction. It is generally well tolerated, with nausea being the most common adverse event. However, currently FDA warned about increased risk for death in patients who received tigecycline for serious infections. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the use of tigecycline and its efficacy. We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients who received tigecycline at Chonbuk National University Hospital, from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014. As a result, the justification of appropriate use showed a rate of 69 cases (86.2%). Tigecycline was properly used according to the criteria in 51-80 cases (81.2-100%), while culture and sensitivity were infrequently performed before the initial dose. The mean duration of administration was 18±15 days. Complications in tigecycline use were usually GI problems including nausea (12 cases), vomiting (6 cases) and diarrhea (2 cases); the treatment efficacy response rate was 57.5%. This study showed that tigecycline was being used for appropriate reasons, but not being well mon- itored. Inappropriate use of tigecycline can lead to cause multidrug-resistant bacteria and unexpect- ed side effects. So, a cautious attitude is required in its use.