Tigecycline
Tygacil (tigecycline) is a glycylcycline antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections when other antibiotics may not be effective. It works against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including drug-resistant strains like MRSA and VRE.
Tygacil is a broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic reserved for serious, resistant bacterial infections when other treatments fail.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 584198
- Generic
- Tygacil
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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 skin structure infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia caused by susceptible bacteria. Reserved as a second-line option when other antibiotics are inappropriate or have failed.
Tigecycline binds to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking protein synthesis essential for bacterial growth. Its structure allows it to overcome common resistance mechanisms like tetracycline efflux pumps.
Administered only by intravenous infusion. Carries an FDA black box warning for increased mortality risk compared to other antibiotics. Should only be used when benefits outweigh risks. Not recommended for diabetic foot infections or hospital-acquired pneumonia in certain patients. May cause nausea, vomiting, and liver enzyme elevations.
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 August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy