Fidaxomycin (DIFICID) is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic that precisely kills pathogens by inhibiting the RNA polymerase of Clostridium difficile. Its unique pharmacological properties make it the first choice for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), especially in reducing the recurrence rate.
Therapeutic effect of Fidaxomycin
Precise antibacterial and reduced risk of recurrence
Fidaxomycin inhibits the activity of bacterial RNA polymerase, blocks the transcription process of Clostridium difficile, and thus inhibits its proliferation. Compared with vancomycin, fidaxomycin has less effect on normal intestinal flora, and the recurrence rate after treatment is reduced by about 50%. The recommended dose for adults and children over 6 months old is 200 mg twice a day for 10 consecutive days.
Indications and restrictions on use
Fidaxomycin is only suitable for diarrhea that is confirmed or highly suspected to be caused by Clostridium difficile. Undiagnosed use may accelerate the development of drug-resistant bacteria. The specifications of the original Japanese drug are 200 mg*20 tablets.
After understanding the core role of the drug, patients need to pay attention to the physical reactions that may occur during treatment. The following content will explain common side effects in detail.
Common side effects of Fidaxomicin
The systemic absorption rate of Fidaxomicin is extremely low, and adverse reactions are mainly concentrated in the digestive tract and blood system. Timely identification and treatment of side effects can improve treatment compliance.
Adverse reactions in adult patients
About 2% of adult patients experience nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, and very few may experience gastrointestinal bleeding. It is recommended to take the medicine after meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. The incidence of neutropenia is about 1.5%. Blood routine tests should be performed every two weeks during treatment. If the absolute value of neutrophils is less than 1.0×10⁹/L, the medication should be suspended.
Special reactions in pediatric patients
About 5% of children aged 6 months to 18 years have fever or rash, and the incidence of elevated transaminases is about 3%. It is recommended to evaluate liver function before treatment. If ALT/AST exceeds 3 times the upper limit of normal, the dose needs to be adjusted or the drug should be discontinued. Children weighing ≥12.5 kg can swallow tablets, otherwise the oral suspension (40 mg/mL) should be used.
After mastering the side effect management method, the correct storage of the drug is an important part of ensuring the efficacy. The following will explain the storage specifications of Fidaxomicin.
Storage method of Fidaxomicin
Fidaxomicin is sensitive to storage conditions. Improper storage may cause the drug to lose efficacy or increase the risk of adverse reactions. Strictly following the storage guidelines can extend the shelf life of the drug and maintain stable efficacy.
Temperature and light control
Unopened tablets or suspensions should be stored at room temperature of 15°C-30°C away from light, avoid high temperature or freezing. The reconstituted oral suspension should be refrigerated (2°C-8°C) and used within 12 days. After opening, the tablets should be sealed to prevent moisture and placed in a dry place.
Package integrity and dosage form differences
Tablets should be kept in the original aluminum foil bag and sealed immediately after each medication. Suspension granules are stored in amber glass bottles. Check whether the granules are agglomerated before reconstitution. If the drug solution changes color or precipitates, it should be discarded. Laos generic drugs (200mg*20 tablets) need to pay special attention to temperature fluctuations during transportation.
Avoid using it with P-glycoprotein inhibitors (such as cyclosporine) during treatment to prevent abnormal increases in blood drug concentrations. If allergic reactions such as dyspnea and rash occur, stop taking the drug immediately and seek medical attention. Through standardized medication and scientific management, Fidaxomicin can provide an efficient and safe treatment option for patients with Clostridium difficile infection.
