How Do Glycylcyclines Work?

Glycylcyclines are broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections that are resistant to tetracyclines. They are bacteriostatic (prevent reproduction in bacteria) in nature and inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the A site of the bacterial ribosomal subunit 30s.

They maintain activity against tetracycline-resistant organisms, including resistant gram-positive organisms such as penicillin-resistant streptococcus pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, and staphylococcus epidermidis, and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus species.

Tigecycline is the first drug in this class of antimicrobials and is available only in an injectable form.

Glycylcyclines are approved for the treatment of:

• Complicated intra-abdominal infections
• Complicated skin infections
• Community-acquired pneumonia

Common side effects of glycylcyclines include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Photosensitivity (rash or sunburn caused because of exposure to UV rays from sunlight)
• Hypersensitivity reactions (overreaction of the body’s immune system that is harmful to the body and causes allergies)
• Tinnitus (ringing sensation in the ear)
• Kidney problems
• May cause teeth discoloration and affect bone growth of the fetus when given to a pregnant woman

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Drug names include:

• Tigecycline
• Tygacil