Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 200mg
Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea
Indicated for treatment of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
200 mg PO BID x10 days
Dosage Modifications
Renal impairment
Dose adjustment not necessary
Hepatic impairment
Not studied; dose adjustment not necessary since minimally absorbed
Dosing Considerations
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness, use only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by C difficile
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 200mg
oral granules for suspension
- 200mg/5mL (40mg/mL) after reconstitution
Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea
Indicated for treatment of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) infection in pediatric patients aged ≥6 months
<6 months: Safety and efficacy not established
6 months or older
-
Tablets
- ≥12.5 kg: 200 mg PO BID x10 days
-
Oral suspension
- Weight base dose x10 days
- 4 to <7 kg: 80 mg PO BID
- 7 to <9 kg: 120 mg PO BID
- 9 to <12.5 kg: 160 mg PO BID
- ≥12.5 kg: 200 mg PO BID
Dosing Considerations
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness, use only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by C difficile
Adverse Effects
>10% (Adults)
Nausea (11%)
>10% (Pediatrics)
Pyrexia (13.3%)
1-10% (Adults)
Vomiting (7%)
Abdominal pain (6%)
Gastrointestinal hemorrhage (4%)
Anemia (2%)
Neutropenia (2%)
<2%
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal distension, abdominal tenderness, dyspepsia, dysphagia, flatulence, intestinal obstruction, megacolon
- Investigations: Increased blood alkaline phosphatase, decreased blood bicarbonate, increased hepatic enzymes, decreased platelet count
- Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis
- Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Drug eruption, pruritus, rash
1-10% (Pediatrics)
Abdominal pain (8.2%)
Vomiting (7.1%)
Diarrhea (7.1%)
Constipation (5.1%)
Increased AST/ALT (5.1%)
Rash (5.1%)
Postmarketing Reports
Hypersensitivity reactions (dyspnea, angioedema, rash, pruritus)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Only use for infection proven or strongly suspected to be caused by C difficile to avoid development of drug resistant bacteria; therapy not effective for treatment of other types of infections due to minimal systemic absorption of fidaxomicin
Acute hypersensitivity reactions, including dyspnea, rash, pruritus, and angioedema of the mouth, throat, and face reported; discontinue and treat appropriately if reaction occurs therapy should be instituted
Some patients with hypersensitivity reactions also reported a history of allergy to other macrolides
Use in the absence of proven or strongly suspected C difficile infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria
Drug interaction overview
- Not dependent on CYP450 enzymes for metabolism
- Fidaxomicin and its main metabolite, OP-1118, are P-gp substrates, but not significantly affected by P-gp inhibitors
- Based on results of studies coadministered with cyclosporine, fidaxomicin may be co-administered with P-gp inhibitors and no dose adjustment is recommended
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Limited available data in pregnant women are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risk for major birth defects; miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes
Animal data
- Embryo-fetal reproduction studies in rats and rabbits dosed intravenously during organogenesis revealed no evidence of harm to fetus at exposures 65-fold or higher than the clinical exposure at the recommended dose
Lactation
There is no information on presence of fidaxomicin or its main metabolite, OP-1118, in human milk, the effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from therapy or from the underlying maternal condition
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Macrolide antibiotic that inhibits RNA synthesis by binding to RNA polymerases
Bactericidal against C difficile in vitro; demonstrates a postantibiotic effect vs C difficile of 6-10 hr
Absorption
Bioavailability: Minimal systemic absorption
Peak plasma time: 2 hr (range 1-5 hr)
Peak plasma concentration: 5.2 ng/mL (+/- 2.81)
AUC: 14 ng•hr/mL
Distribution
Fecal concentrations: 639-2710 mcg/g; OP-1118 213-1210 mcg/g
Metabolism
Metabolized by hydrolysis at the isobutyryl ester to form OP-1118
Metabolites: OP-1118 (active metabolite)
Elimination
Half-life: 9 hr
Excretion: Feces (92%)
Administration
Oral Suspension Preparation
Shake glass bottle to ensure granules move around freely and no caking has occurred
Measure 130 mL of purified water, add to glass bottle, and cap tightly
Hold bottle in horizontal position and shake bottle vigorously in that position for at least 2 minutes
Verify homogeneous suspension obtained; if not, repeat shaking
Once homogeneous suspension is visually confirmed, shake an additional 30 seconds
Let bottle stand for 1 minute
Verify that the suspension is still homogeneous; if not, repeat shaking instructions
Once reconstituted, oral suspension is white to yellowish white in color
Write discard date (current date plus 12 days) on the bottle
Oral Administration
May take with or without food
Oral suspension
- Remove bottle from refrigerator 15 minutes before administration
- Shake vigorously until suspension has an even consistency
- Remove cap, then administer orally with or without food using an oral dosing syringe
- Between doses, replace cap and refrigerate
Storage
Tablets
- 20-25ºC (68-77ºF); excursions permitted to 15-30ºC (59-86ºF)
- Store in the original bottle
Oral suspension
-
Unreconstituted granules
- 20-25ºC (68-77ºF); excursions permitted to 15-30ºC (59-86ºF)
- Store in the original package; do not open pouch until time of use
-
Reconstituted suspension
- Refrigerate at 36-46ºF (2-8ºC) for up to 12 days
- Store capped in the original bottle
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dificid oral - | 200 mg tablet |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
fidaxomicin oral
FIDAXOMICIN - ORAL
(fye-DAX-oh-MYE-sin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dificid
USES: This medication is used to treat a severe intestinal condition (C. difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a certain type of bacteria. This condition may rarely occur after taking antibiotics. Symptoms include diarrhea that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain or cramping, and blood/mucus in your stool. Fidaxomicin is known as a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of this bacteria.This antibiotic works in the intestines and is not absorbed by your body. It should only be used to treat this type of intestinal bacterial infection. It will not work for other types of infections, including viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking fidaxomicin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (every 12 hours). Children's dosage is based on weight.If you are using the liquid form of this medication, remove the bottle from the refrigerator 15 minutes before taking the medication. Shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, or stomach/abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: black/tarry/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), unusual tiredness.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking fidaxomicin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics (such as azithromycin, clarithromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.Fidaxomicin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using fidaxomicin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.Lab and/or medical tests (such as stool sample tests) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store the tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the liquid medication in the original bottle in the refrigerator. Discard the liquid medication after 12 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2024. Copyright(c) 2024 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
