Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Tygacil (Tigecycline)

Tigecycline is a tetracycline class antibacterial agent.

Tigecycline is a tetracycline-class antibiotic indicated for complicated skin/skin structure infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in patients ≥18 years. It demonstrates extensive tissue distribution with a long half-life (27-42 hours) and is minimally metabolized. Notable drug interactions exist with warfarin and calcineurin inhibitors requiring monitoring, and it is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity. The drug is not indicated for diabetic foot infections or hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated pneumonia due to efficacy and safety concerns.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Tigecycline belongs to the tetracycline class of antibacterial agents. As a tetracycline, it functions by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, though the specific molecular mechanism is not detailed in the provided label excerpt. The drug is indicated for use in patients 18 years of age and older for treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia caused by susceptible bacterial isolates.

Approved indications

• Abdominal abscess
• Complicated Bacterial Peritonitis
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure E. Coli Infection
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Enterococcus Faecalis Infection
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infection
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Streptococcus Agalactiae Infection
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Streptococcus Pyogenes Infection
• Complicated appendicitis
• Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia
• Infectious disease of abdomen
• Legionella Pneumophila Pneumonia
• Pneumonia due to Streptococcus

Boxed warnings

• WARNING: ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY An increase in all-cause mortality has been observed in a meta-analysis of Phase 3 and 4 clinical trials in tigecycline-treated patients versus comparator. The cause of this mortality risk difference of 0.6% (95% CI 0.1, 1.2) has not been established. Tigecycline for injection should be reserved for use in situations when alternative treatments are not suitable [see Indications and Usage ( 1.4 ), Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. WARNING: ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. All-cause mortality was higher in patients treated with tigecycline for injection than comparators in a meta-analysis of clinical trials. The cause of this mortality risk difference of 0.6% (95% CI 0.1, 1.2) has not been established. Tigecycline for injection should be reserved for use in situations when alternative treatments are not suitable ( 1.4 , 5.1 , 5.2 , 6.1 ).

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Infection
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Anemia
• SGPT Increased
• Hypoproteinemia
• SGOT Increased
• Asthenia
• Phlebitis

Drug interactions

• Warfarin
• Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, cyclosporine)
• Oral contraceptives

Key clinical trials

• Intracalvariosseous Plus Intravenous Antibiotics for Moderate-to-Severe Bacterial Meningitis (NA)
• Testing a Novel Combination Treatment (Arm D) Versus Standard of Care for Intensive Phase Treatment for Mycobacterium Abscessus Pulmonary Disease in People With or Without Cystic Fibrosis in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacterium Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Adaptive Platform Trial (PHASE2)
• Efficacy of Taurolidine Containing Lock Solution for Prevention of Central Venous Catheter Infection in ICU Patients (NA)
• The Efficacy and Adverse Reactions of Neotetracycline in the Treatment of GNB Infections
• Clinical Effectiveness of a Once-daily Regimen of Tigecycline Compared to the Standard Regimen (PHASE4)
• Comparing Oral Versus Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (PHASE4)
• Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacterium Abscessus Treatment (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Meropenem and Pralurbactam in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infections (PHASE3)

Patents

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Tygacil CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Tygacil updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Pfizer portfolio CI