fidaxomicin

Generic Name: fidaxomicin (fye DAX oh MYE sin)

Brand Names: Dificid

What is fidaxomicin?

Fidaxomicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

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

Fidaxomicin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about fidaxomicin?

You should not use fidaxomicin if you are allergic to it. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Fidaxomicin should not be used to treat infections that are not related to Clostridium difficile. This medication is for use only to treat diarrhea caused by infection with Clostridium difficile. Fidaxomicin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fidaxomicin?

You should not use fidaxomicin if you are allergic to it. Fidaxomicin should not be used to treat infections that are not related to Clostridium difficile. This medication is for use only to treat diarrhea caused by infection with Clostridium difficile. Fidaxomicin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. FDA pregnancy category B. Fidaxomicin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether fidaxomicin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

How should I take fidaxomicin?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Fidaxomicin is usually taken 2 times each day for 10 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may take fidaxomicin with or without food.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Fidaxomicin dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking fidaxomicin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Fidaxomicin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;

  
  


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  pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;

  
  


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  black, bloody, or tarry stools; or

  
  


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  coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

  
  


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  bloating or gas; or

  
  


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  mild rash or itching.

  
  

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.

Fidaxomicin Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Clostridial Infection:

200 mg orally twice daily for 10 days with or without food.

What other drugs will affect fidaxomicin?

There may be other drugs that can interact with fidaxomicin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More fidaxomicin resources

• Fidaxomicin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Fidaxomicin Dosage
• Fidaxomicin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Fidaxomicin Drug Interactions
• Fidaxomicin Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Fidaxomicin - Add your own review/rating

• fidaxomicin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Fidaxomicin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Fidaxomicin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Dificid Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Dificid Consumer Overview

Compare fidaxomicin with other medications

• Clostridial Infection

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about fidaxomicin.

See also: fidaxomicin side effects (in more detail)