Sometimes, severe diarrhea can occur that does not respond to regular treatment and can persist. This can happen because the good bacteria in the gut are killed and bad bacteria grow, especially after using other antibiotics. So, a special medicine that doctors prescribe to control such specific bacterial infections is called fidaxomicin. Let's talk about this in detail.
What is Fidaxomicin?
Simply put, Fidaxomicin is an antibiotic. To be precise, it belongs to a class of drugs called ``macrolide antibiotics.'' What's special about it is that it targets only a few specific types of bacterial infections that occur in our intestines.
This medicine is often used to treat severe diarrhea caused by the bacteria Clostridium difficile. It is commonly found in the market under the brand name DIFICID.
Important: This medicine is only used to treat bacterial infections. It will not cure colds, flu, or other viral infections . Therefore, never use this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is important that your doctor is aware of these facts before prescribing fidaxomicin to you. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to fidaxomicin or other similar macrolide antibiotics (for example, azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin).
- If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, coloring, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medicine is right for you or not.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
This medicine usually comes in the form of a liquid (oral suspension), so be careful when using it.
- Shake the bottle well before use.
- Use only the special syringe, cup, or dropper provided by the pharmacy to measure the medicine. Home-made teaspoons and tablespoons can cause inaccurate measurements.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. If you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Take the exact dose, at the exact time prescribed by the doctor.
- The most important thing is to take this medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better. Do not stop taking it for any reason. If you do, the infection may come back.
If you give this medicine to children...
Even for children over 6 months of age, doctors may prescribe this medicine under certain conditions. However, it is up to your pediatrician to decide. Follow his or her instructions carefully when giving the medicine to your child.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medication, don't panic and take action immediately.
You can call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital immediately.
Be aware of side effects.
Like any medicine, fidaxomicin can cause some side effects. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effects to watch out for |
|---|
| Things to report to your doctor or hospital immediately |
|
| Tell your doctor if these persist or are bothersome. |
|
Another important thing: If you have diarrhea while taking this medicine, do not use over-the-counter products without first consulting your doctor. Seek medical advice first.
How to store the medicine?
To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored correctly.
- Store in the fridge.
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle you received it in.
- Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children .
- Most importantly: Be sure to throw away any medicine left over after 12 days of opening the bottle. Do not use it after that.
Take-Home Message
- Fidaxomicin is an antibiotic that is given to treat specific bacterial infections in the intestines. It is not given for the common cold or flu.
- Tell your doctor about all your allergies and health conditions before starting the medication.
- Take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it halfway.
- Use the special device that comes with the medicine to measure it.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions or bloody stools, seek medical advice immediately.
- Store the medicine in the refrigerator. Discard any remaining ingredients after 12 days of use.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න