Tigecycline

The Basics

What is Tigecycline?

Used to treat certain serious infections including community acquired pneumonia, skin infections, and infections of the abdomen.

Brand names for Tigecycline

Tygacil

How Tigecycline is classified

Antiinfective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Tetracyclines

Tigecycline During Pregnancy

Tigecycline pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Tigecycline while pregnant

N/A

Taking Tigecycline While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. A number of reviews have stated that tetracyclines are contraindicated during breastfeeding because of possible staining of infants’ dental enamel or bone deposition of tetracyclines.However, a close examination of available literature indicates that there is not likely to be harm in short-term use of a tigecycline during lactation because the drug is 71 to 89% bound to plasma proteins, so milk levels are likely low and absorption by the infant is inhibited by the calcium in breastmilk. Short-term use of tigecycline is acceptable in nursing mothers. As a theoretical precaution, avoid prolonged or repeat courses during nursing. Monitor the infant for rash and for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash).

Maternal / infant drug levels

Tigecycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. A number of reviews have stated that tetracyclines are contraindicated during breastfeeding because of possible staining of infants’ dental enamel or bone deposition of tetracyclines.However, a close examination of available literature indicates that there is not likely to be harm in short-term use of a tigecycline during lactation because the drug is 71 to 89% bound to plasma proteins, so milk levels are likely low and absorption by the infant is inhibited by the calcium in breastmilk. Short-term use of tigecycline is acceptable in nursing mothers. As a theoretical precaution, avoid prolonged or repeat courses during nursing. Monitor the infant for rash and for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash).

Possible effects of Tigecycline on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Tigecycline

None listed