tigecycline Health Article

How should I use tigecycline?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Tigecycline is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

This medication comes in a powder form that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) such as sodium chloride or dextrose. After mixing, the liquid should appear as a yellow or orange color. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors to green or black, or if it has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. You may need to use the medication for as long as 2 weeks. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Tigecycline will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store the unmixed powder medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Once the medicine has been mixed, you may store it at room temperature as long as you use it within 6 hours. The mixed medicine may also be stored in a refrigerator and used within 24 hours.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea and vomiting.

What should I avoid while using tigecycline?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Tigecycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.