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Cutaneous Hyperpigmentation Secondary to High-Dose Tigecycline: A Case Report
Muhannad A Alsemari1, Hakeam A Hakeam2, Hussain Alsalman3
1Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease
|September 14, 2020
Summary
High-dose tigecycline, used for multidrug-resistant bacteria, can cause reversible skin hyperpigmentation. This previously unreported side effect emerged rapidly in a patient receiving this potent antibiotic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- High-dose tigecycline is increasingly utilized for infections involving multidrug-resistant bacteria.
- Current literature lacks documented instances of cutaneous hyperpigmentation associated with high-dose tigecycline treatment.
Observation:
- A case study involving a female patient receiving high-dose tigecycline therapy is presented.
- The patient exhibited the development of cutaneous hyperpigmentation.
Findings:
- The observed cutaneous hyperpigmentation occurred within 48 hours of initiating high-dose tigecycline.
- The skin discoloration was found to be reversible upon discontinuation or modification of the treatment.
Implications:
- This report highlights a novel, albeit reversible, adverse effect of high-dose tigecycline therapy.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for cutaneous hyperpigmentation as a potential side effect in patients undergoing high-dose tigecycline treatment.
- Further investigation into the mechanism and prevalence of this side effect is warranted.
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