From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
For patients with myasthenia gravis who require IV antibiotics for pneumonia, tigecycline is a recommended option as it provides good coverage against common pneumonia pathogens without significantly affecting neuromuscular transmission, as seen in a case study where an 85-year-old female with myasthenia gravis was successfully treated with tigecycline for community-acquired pneumonia 1. When selecting antibiotics for patients with myasthenia gravis, it is crucial to consider the potential for exacerbating muscle weakness.
- Avoid antibiotics that can worsen myasthenic symptoms, such as aminoglycosides, telithromycin, and high-dose fluoroquinolones.
- Consider the patient's allergies and potential antibiotic triggers when choosing an antibiotic.
- Monitor respiratory function and muscle strength closely during antibiotic administration, as any infection can temporarily worsen myasthenia gravis symptoms.
- Ensure the patient's neurologist is aware of the pneumonia diagnosis, as temporary adjustment of myasthenia treatments may be necessary. Some studies suggest that non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli are common microorganisms in pneumonia patients with myasthenia gravis, and antibiotics such as ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, piperacillin, cefoperazone, ceftazidime, and cefepime may have an anti-infectious effect 2. However, the most recent and highest quality study is not available to support a specific antibiotic regimen, but tigecycline is a viable option for patients with myasthenia gravis who require IV antibiotics for pneumonia, as it has been shown to be effective in a case study 1.