Tigecycline (By injection)

Tigecycline (tye-ge-SYE-kleen)

Treats infections. This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

PremierPro Rx Tygacil, Tygacil

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine must be given slowly, so the IV will have to remain in place for at least 30 to 60 minutes.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how tigecycline works. Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine, tacrolimus, birth control pills, or blood thinner (including warfarin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Birth control pills may not work as well when used with this medicine. Use a second form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed if you are taking this medicine for longer than 3 weeks. Your doctor may tell you to pump and throw away your breast milk during treatment and for 9 days after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or diarrhea.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
  • Liver problems
  • Slow bone growth or permanent change in tooth color (for children younger than 8 years old)
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, severe sunburn or skin rash
• Severe diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Darkening of your skin, teeth, or gums
• Headache
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 6/4/2025