Tygacil (tigecycline) is a medication used to manage bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal system and the skin. According to Drugs.com, Tygacil belongs to a class of medicines called tetracycline-like antibiotics. It works to destroy the bacteria causing the infections. The National Library of Medicine says that you will typically initially take 100mg of Tygacil daily and then 50mg of it every 12 hours thereafter. Tygacil is also available as an intravenous infusion given over 30 to 60 minutes every 12 hours.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Tygacil's common side effects include stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping and dizziness. It can also cause diaphoresis (sweating) and a vaginal yeast infection. In a placebo-controlled trial of 2,514 patients receiving Tygacil, the National Library of Medicine found that 6 percent experienced stomach pain, 26 percent developed nausea, 18 percent vomited and 12 percent experienced diarrhea.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine indicates that Tygacil can cause Clostridium difficile diarrhea. This is an antibiotic-induced condition in which the Clostridium difficile bacteria grows in abundance in your intestines. This may lead to watery or bloody diarrhea, stomach pain or cramping and nausea. Tygacil may also cause liver failure or damage. Liver problems are typically indicated with such signs as left-sided stomach pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Drugs.com says that Tygacil can also cause an intense headache, eye pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), fainting spells and weakness. It may cause easy bleeding or bruising, typically as a result of low platelet counts. In some cases, Tygacil may cause stomach pain that radiates to the back. This is the typical sign for pancreatitis (an inflammation of the pancreas).
Other Concerns
Avoid Tygacil if you are allergic to tigecycline. You may develop extreme difficulty breathing, hives and edema (swelling) of your tongue, throat and face.
Avoid Tygacil if you are pregnant. The National Library of Medicine says that Tygacil may cause harm to your baby such as low birth weight and soft and non-calcified bones.
Children younger than eight should not take Tygacil, as it may cause their teeth to turn yellow, brown or gray.
Drugs.com says that it is unknown whether Tygacil can pass into breast milk. Inform your physician if you want to breastfeed and she will assess whether it is safe for you to continue taking Tygacil.
Avoid combining Tygacil with amphotericin B, voriconazole, methylprednisolone and chlorpromazine. These drugs may combine and cause the aforementioned side effects.
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