What is Fidaxomicin?
Fidaxomicin, also known as Dificid in the United States, is a bacteriolytic antibiotic used to treat Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection associated with mild to moderate diarrhea and colitis. It works by inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes essential for bacterial growth and replication. Fidaxomicin achieves higher concentrations in the colon than in other parts of the body, allowing it to effectively target C. difficile bacteria while minimizing systemic side effects.
What is Fidaxomicin used for?
Fidaxomicin, also known as Liazixan, is an antibacterial medication that belongs to the class of macrolide antibiotics. It was approved by the US FDA in 2012 for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections in adults. Fidaxomicin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, ultimately leading to their death.
Clinical Use and Spectrum
Fidaxomicin has a unique mechanism of action that distinguishes it from other antibiotics in its class. It targets the RNA polymerase enzyme responsible for bacterial DNA transcription, making it more effective against C. diff infections than other treatments. This targeted approach reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance and makes fidaxomicin an attractive option for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. In clinical trials, fidaxomicin demonstrated a significantly higher cure rate compared to vancomycin, the standard treatment for C. diff at that time.
Fidaxomicin side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions (with intravenous form)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
Disclaimer
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