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Overview: Dificid is an antibiotic that is used to treat diarrhea caused by bacteria called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff.” It works by stopping the bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Serious side effects are rare, but may include allergic reactions.

Uses

What is Dificid used for?

Dificid (fidaxomicin) is commonly used to treat diarrhea that is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff.” This condition is also known as pseudomembranous colitis.

Dificid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Dificid may not be appropriate for all infections. Some bacteria may have developed resistance to Dificid, which will make it not work as well. 

Dificid only treats infections in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract caused by certain bacteria. It will not work for infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold, the flu, or coronavirus. It also will not work for any other infections that are not caused by bacteria. Taking Dificid or any other antibiotic when it is not needed may cause the antibiotic to not work for bacterial infections in the future.

How does Dificid work (mechanism of action)?

Dificid stops certain types of bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile or “C. diff,” from making proteins they need to grow and multiply.

How is Dificid supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Dificid

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 200 mg oral tablets
  • 40 mg/mL for oral suspension

How should I store Dificid?

Oral Tablet. Dificid tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Store in a cool, dry place.

Oral Liquid. Dificid liquid will be mixed for you by the pharmacy. Once it has been mixed, it must be used within 12 days. The mixed liquid should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C), in the original bottle. Safely throw away any unused Dificid liquid after the full treatment is finished.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Dificid?

The most common side effects of Dificid are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fever (in children)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea or constipation (in children)
  • Rash (in children)
  • Bleeding in the stomach or intestines (in adults)
  • Low levels of red blood cells (anemia) or white blood cells (neutropenia) (in adults)

There may be other side effects of Dificid that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Dificid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Dificid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dificid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Dificid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Dificid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Dificid.

  • Dificid
  • Fidaxomicin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Dificid.

What should I know about Dificid before using it?

Do not take Dificid unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Dificid with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Dificid out of the reach of children.

Dificid liquid should be stored in the refrigerator. Take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator. The bottle may contain more medicine than you need to complete your treatment. Once you or your child have taken the liquid for the number of days prescribed by your healthcare provider, safely throw away any remaining medicine.

Dificid liquid should be removed from the refrigerator 15 minutes before each dose. After 15 minutes, shake the bottle well. Use an accurate measuring device to measure each dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device. After using a dose, put the cap back on the bottle and place the bottle back into the refrigerator.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Dificid?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Dificid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergies to Certain Antibiotics. Some people who have an allergy to a certain type of antibiotic, called a macrolide antibiotic, may also be allergic to Dificid. Let your healthcare provider know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Dificid could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Dificid passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Dificid while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Dificid?

For more information about Dificid, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.dificid.com or call them at 800-444-2080.

Interactions

Does Dificid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Dificid and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Dificid, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does Dificid interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Dificid and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Dificid?

If you or someone else has used too much Dificid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Dificid?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Dificid, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Dificid or other similar medicines.

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