What is tigecycline (Tygacil) used for?

Tigecycline (Tygacil) is used to treat certain severe infections in the skin, stomach, and lungs, typically in people who are in the hospital. It can be used to [fight against certain resistant bacteria](https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/56/3/470/690966) (bacteria that are hard to get rid of). But tigecycline (Tygacil) is typically given only when other antibiotics either can't be used or haven't worked well because it can put you at risk for life-threatening side effects, including higher risk of death, pancreas problems, and liver problems.

What are the common side effects of tigecycline (Tygacil)?

The [most common side effects](https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/en-us/tygacil/adverse-reactions) of tigecycline (Tygacil) include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects include stomach pain, headache, and [anemia](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia) (low red blood cell count).

What are some serious risks and warnings for tigecycline (Tygacil)?

Tigecycline (Tygacil) has many serious risks and warnings. One of the most serious warnings reported in clinical studies is that there was a [slightly higher risk of death](https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/en-us/patient/tygacil?tab=pi&section=all&anchor=S5.1) in people taking tigecycline (Tygacil) compared with those receiving other antibiotics. It's important to note that the difference in risk of death between these 2 groups was small, and the causes of the deaths were due to worsening infections, infection complications, or underlying medical problems. Regardless, this risk of death is why __tigecycline (Tygacil) is used only when other available antibiotics can't be used__. In addition, tigecycline (Tygacil) can raise your risk for [liver and pancreatic problems](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=70bf7ad3-ebf9-4fea-b3ac-26c537736d3d&type=display#section-5.5), so your provider will monitor certain labs to make sure these organs are doing okay. This medication can also affect bone and tooth growth, so it shouldn't be used in children or after the first trimester of pregnancy. The manufacturer has provided a [complete list of risks and warnings](https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/en-us/tygacil/warnings).

tigecycline

Q: How does tigecycline (Tygacil) work?

Tigecycline (Tygacil) is a [tetracycline antibiotic](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/tetracycline-antibiotics). It works by [preventing bacteria from making certain proteins](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1426172/), which stops them from being able to spread throughout your body.

Q: How is tigecycline (Tygacil) given?

Tigecycline (Tygacil) is given as an injection through the veins (IV) by a healthcare provider, typically in the hospital. Your provider will make sure you get the medication at the right dose and time. In general, you'll receive an infusion of tigecycline (Tygacil) every 12 hours. Each infusion takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The length of treatment depends on where and how serious your infection is, and it typically ranges from 5 to 14 days.

Generic Tygacil

Used for Bacterial Infection

Tigecycline (Tygacil) is an injectable antibiotic used to treat severe infections in the skin, stomach, and lungs in hospitalized people. It's typically used only when other antibiotics aren't the best choice.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 24, 2022

What is Tigecycline (Tygacil)?

Are you looking for information on tetracycline or doxycycline instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Tygacil
Drug Class	Tetracycline antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Tygacil

Drug Class

Tetracycline antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Tigecycline

Tigecycline is used to treat certain severe infections in the skin, stomach, and lungs, typically in people who are in the hospital. It can be used to fight against certain resistant bacteria (bacteria that are hard to get rid of). But Tigecycline is typically given only when other antibiotics either can't be used or haven't worked well because it can put you at risk for life-threatening side effects, including higher risk of death, pancreas problems, and liver problems.

Tigecycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by preventing bacteria from making certain proteins, which stops them from being able to spread throughout your body.

Tigecycline is given as an injection through the veins (IV) by a healthcare provider, typically in the hospital. Your provider will make sure you get the medication at the right dose and time. In general, you'll receive an infusion of Tigecycline every 12 hours. Each infusion takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The length of treatment depends on where and how serious your infection is, and it typically ranges from 5 to 14 days.

The most common side effects of Tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects include stomach pain, headache, and anemia (low red blood cell count).

Tigecycline has many serious risks and warnings. One of the most serious warnings reported in clinical studies is that there was a slightly higher risk of death in people taking Tigecycline compared with those receiving other antibiotics. It's important to note that the difference in risk of death between these 2 groups was small, and the causes of the deaths were due to worsening infections, infection complications, or underlying medical problems. Regardless, this risk of death is why Tigecycline is used only when other available antibiotics can't be used. In addition, Tigecycline can raise your risk for liver and pancreatic problems, so your provider will monitor certain labs to make sure these organs are doing okay. This medication can also affect bone and tooth growth, so it shouldn't be used in children or after the first trimester of pregnancy. The manufacturer has provided a complete list of risks and warnings.