Tigecycline
Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections when other antibiotics are not appropriate. It is indicated for complicated skin and skin structure infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.
Tigecycline is a last-resort tetracycline-class antibiotic for serious multi-drug resistant infections when standard antibiotics fail.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01AA12
- RxNorm
- 384455
- Generic
- Tigecycline
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Tygacil
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treats complicated skin and soft tissue infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Often reserved for multi-drug resistant infections when other antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated.
Binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, blocking protein synthesis and preventing bacterial growth. Its structure allows it to overcome common tetracycline resistance mechanisms.
Use only when other antibiotics are not suitable due to its broad-spectrum activity. Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and increased liver enzymes. Not recommended for use in children under 8 years old due to potential tooth discoloration.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy