Fidaxomicin for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infections.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), also known as C. difficile-associated disease or diarrhoea (CDAD), is an important cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea with disease severity ranging from mild diarrhoea to fulminant colitis. In addition, over 40% of new cases of CDI occur outside hospital. ▾ Fidaxomicin (Dificlir - Astellas), the first antibiotic in a new class called macrocyclics, has recently been licensed for the treatment of C. difficile infection in adults. Here we provide a brief overview of C. difficile infection and assess how fidaxomicin fits with current management strategies for treatment of such infections.