Once Daily High Dose Tigecycline Is Optimal: Tigecycline PK/PD Parameters Predict Clinical Effectiveness

Objective: The clinical effectiveness of tigecycline depends on appropriate use, and PK/PD (pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic) parameters related to dose and dosing interval. Methods: In our 600-bed university-affiliated teaching hospital, we conducted a tigecycline efficacy review over a three-month period in 34 evaluable patients. Parameters assessed included clinical response, cure or treatment failure, once daily as q12h dosing, maintenance dosing, high dose vs. standard loading regimens, adverse effects, and the effect of infectious disease consultation on outcomes. Results: We found once daily high dose tigecycline (HDT) was highly effective in treating serious systemic infections due to MDR Gram-positive/negative pathogens as well as C. difficile colitis. Adverse effects were infrequent and limited to mild nausea/vomiting. Once daily HDT was highly effective, and the few treatment failures were related to suboptimal/split dosing regimens. Conclusion: Once daily HDT was highly effective when used to treat susceptible pathogens and when optimally dosed, i.e., 200–400 mg (IV) loading dose ×1, followed by a once daily maintenance dose of 100–200 mg (IV) q24h.