Dificid

Generic name: Fidaxomicin
Drug class: Macrolides

Usage of Dificid

Dificid is a macrolide antibiotic that works by killing sensitive bacteria.

Dificid is used to treat diarrhea caused by infection with Clostridium difficile.

Fidaxomicin works differently from other medicines because it passes into your stomach and intestines without being absorbed into your bloodstream.

Dificid is for use in adults and children at least 6 months old.

Dificid side effects

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Dificid: hives, rash, itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

inflammation in your colon - stomach pain and bloating, painful or bloody stools, fast heartbeats, cool or clammy skin, feeling like you might pass out;

low blood cell counts - fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or

signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common Dificid side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

diarrhea, constipation;

stomach bleeding;

fever;

low blood cell counts;

abnormal liver function tests; or

rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Dificid

You should not use Dificid if you are allergic to fidaxomicin or other macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin.

Fidaxomicin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dificid is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.

Relate drugs

How to use Dificid

Usual Adult Dose for Clostridial Infection:

200 mg orally twice a day for 10 days Use: For the treatment of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Clostridial Infection:

6 Months to Less Than 18 Years: Oral suspension: -Weight 4 to less than 7 kg: 80 mg orally twice a day -Weight 7 to less than 9 kg: 120 mg orally twice a day -Weight 9 to less than 12.5 kg: 160 mg orally twice a day -Weight at least 12.5 kg: 200 mg orally twice a day Tablets: -Weight at least 12.5 kg: 200 mg orally twice a day Duration of therapy: 10 days Use: For the treatment of CDAD

Warnings

Dificid should not be used to treat infections that are not related to Clostridium difficile. This medicine is for use only to treat diarrhea caused by infection with Clostridium difficile.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as fever, chills, flu symptoms, mouth sores, pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating, bloody or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

What other drugs will affect Dificid

Other drugs may interact with fidaxomicin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.