Dificid/Dificlir (
generic name: fidaxomicin) is an antibiotic medication specifically indicated
for the treatment of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). This serious bacterial infection can cause severe diarrhea, colitis, and other gastrointestinal issues, often after an antibiotic course that disrupts the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
Fidaxomicin works by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme
RNA polymerase, effectively stopping the growth and replication of the C. difficile bacteria. Fidaxomicin is
currently only approved for use in adults.
Fidaxomicin is primarily effective in treating CDI because of its narrow spectrum of activity. It targets the C. difficile bacteria without disrupting other beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. It is not indicated for other types of bacterial infections.
Unlike many other antibiotics, Dificid is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream and primarily works in the gut, where C. difficile causes infection. This targeted action helps preserve the normal gut flora, reducing the likelihood of recurring infections. For more information, visit the
manufacturer’s website.
Dosage
It is essential to adhere to the prescribing doctor’s specification. Dificid is usually prescribed to be taken twice daily for ten days. The tablet can be taken with or without food, and it is essential to complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.
Storage
Dificid should be stored at room temperature (68-77°F/20-25°C), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom; keep it out of reach of children and pets. For more guidance,
consult our blog on safe medicine management.
Common Questions About Dificid
Is Clostridium difficile serious?
C. difficile is a bacterium that can cause an infection of the longer part of the large intestine.
Symptoms can range from diarrhea to life-threatening damage.
Can Clostridium difficile cause permanent damage?
The toxins produced by C. difficile can irritate the lower part of the gut, resulting in colitis, in which the colon swells and becomes inflamed. If this goes untreated, the walls of the gut can rupture. In such a case, the damaged stretch has to be removed by surgery, which can leave scars and longer-term problems.
How do I know if my Clostridium difficile is gone?
A stool test to check for the bacteria or the toxins that C. diff causes is the only certain way. Even if the symptoms of colitis or diarrhea appear to have stopped, it is essential to consult with a doctor and to keep taking Dificid until the course is finished.
How does Dificid differ from other antibiotics used to treat Clostridioides difficile infection?
Dificid is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic that specifically targets C. difficile bacteria, while other antibiotics, such as Vancocin and
Flagyl, may also kill a broader range of bacteria. This targeted approach helps to preserve the healthy bacteria in the gut, reducing the risk of recurrence of the infection.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Very rarely, people taking fidaxomicin can have a sudden allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), with symptoms like swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, making it difficult to breathe or swallow, or there is wheezing, hives, rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin, call a doctor or 911 right away, or go to an emergency room immediately.
Most people who use Dificid do not experience any adverse side effects. Doctors prescribe this medication because they assess the benefits of such treatment outweigh any likely unwanted effects.
Some of the side effects that have been reported include
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Adry mouth or altered taste (dysgeusia)
- Flatulence (feeling bloated with wind)
- Rash
- Itching (pruritus).
Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Dificid is FDA-approved for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection in adults. The condition is characterized by frequent, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In severe cases, CDI can lead to dehydration, hospitalization, and even death.