Dificid (Fidaxomicin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Dificid Used For?
Dificid is an antibiotic that belongs to a new group of medicines called macrocyclic antibiotics. It is specifically designed to treat serious bacterial infections in your large intestine.
Primary Uses
Dificid is used to treat infections of the lining of the colon (large intestine) caused by bacteria called Clostridium difficile. This serious illness can result in painful, severe diarrhea.
How It Works
Dificid works by killing the bacteria that cause Clostridium difficile infections. It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu, or against infections with other types of bacteria.
Good to know: There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.
How to Take Dificid
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully, as they may differ from general instructions. Taking the correct dose is important for the medicine to work effectively.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one tablet (200mg) twice daily, taken every 12 hours for 10 days. You can take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Continue taking your medicine until you finish the pack or for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you feel better.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take the tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- headache
- dizziness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- shortness of breath
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
- rash, itching or hives on the skin
Important Warnings
Before taking Dificid, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current health status with your doctor to ensure this medication is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Dificid
Do not take Dificid if you are allergic to fidaxomicin or any of the ingredients listed. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, or rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes. Inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, as it is not known whether fidaxomicin passes into breast milk.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Dificid and affect how it works. It’s important to tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Alcohol & Driving
Dificid is not expected to significantly affect your daily activities, but it’s important to be cautious until you know how the medication affects you personally.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Dificid affects you. Dificid is not expected to affect your ability to drive, use tools or machines.
Storage
Keep your medicine in the original container, as it may not keep well if removed. Store it in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Keep it away from moisture, heat or sunlight – do not store it in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think that you have taken too much Dificid, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor. It’s important to complete the full 10-day course even if you start feeling better.
Yes, this medicine may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
No, there is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor. If you do not complete the full course prescribed, all the organisms causing your infection may not be killed, and your infection may not clear completely or may return.
Take the tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
No, do not take Dificid to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to. Dificid will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu or against infections with other types of bacteria.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice mild side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, or dizziness and they worry you. Call your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects like shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling, or skin reactions.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.