Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Dificid (Fidaxomicin) is a macrocyclic antibiotic approved by the FDA for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 months and older. C. difficile infections (often called "C. diff") are a serious and sometimes life-threatening cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, particularly in hospitalized and elderly patients.
Dificid is considered a first-line treatment for C. diff infections per the 2021 IDSA/SHEA guidelines, alongside oral Vancomycin. One of Dificid's key advantages is a lower recurrence rate (~15%) compared to Vancomycin (~25%), making it especially valuable for patients at risk of recurrent infections.
Fidaxomicin works by inhibiting bacterial RNA polymerase — specifically binding to the sigma subunit of RNA polymerase in C. difficile bacteria. This blocks transcription (the process by which bacteria read their DNA to make proteins), effectively killing the bacteria.
What makes Dificid unique is its narrow spectrum of activity. Unlike broader-spectrum antibiotics like Metronidazole, Fidaxomicin has minimal impact on the normal gut flora. This is important because disruption of healthy gut bacteria is a major driver of C. diff recurrence. By preserving the gut microbiome, Dificid helps reduce the chance of the infection coming back.
The typical adult dosage is 200 mg taken orally twice daily for 10 days. Pediatric dosing is weight-based when using the oral suspension.
Dificid (Fidaxomicin) scores a 55 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it can be intermittently difficult to locate. While there is no active FDA shortage, many pharmacies do not routinely stock Dificid due to its high cost ($5,100+ per course for brand). The launch of a Teva generic in July 2025 has improved availability somewhat, but you may still need to call multiple pharmacies or use Medfinder to locate it in stock near you. Prior authorization requirements can also delay access by several days.
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Dificid is most commonly prescribed by:
Since C. diff infections frequently occur in hospital settings, many prescriptions originate from inpatient teams and are continued upon discharge.
No, Dificid (Fidaxomicin) is not a controlled substance. It is not classified under any DEA schedule. It is a prescription-only antibiotic with no known abuse potential. You will still need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain it.
Serious side effects (rare but seek medical attention):
Dificid has no boxed warning. It is minimally absorbed systemically, which limits systemic side effects.
Dificid has no known food interactions and can be taken with or without food. Because Fidaxomicin has minimal systemic absorption, drug interactions are generally limited.
Dificid (Fidaxomicin) is a highly effective antibiotic for C. difficile infections with a meaningfully lower recurrence rate than alternatives. Its main challenges are cost and availability — brand-name Dificid runs over $5,000 per course, and even with the Teva generic (launched July 2025), prices remain above $1,200 with coupons.
If you're having trouble finding Dificid in stock, use Medfinder to locate pharmacies near you that have it available. Be sure to ask your doctor about the Merck Savings Coupon (as low as $50 copay for commercially insured patients) or the Merck Patient Assistance Program if you're uninsured.
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