Fidaxomicin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 17, 2024.

Applies to fidaxomicin: oral powder for suspension, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of fidaxomicin

Along with its needed effects, fidaxomicin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fidaxomicin:

Less common side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• bloating
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• chills
• confusion
• cough
• drowsiness
• fever
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle tremors
• nausea
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• rapid, deep breathing
• restlessness
• severe constipation
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• stomach cramps
• troubled breathing with exertion
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Incidence not known

• difficult or labored breathing
• itching skin or rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• tightness in the chest

Other side effects of fidaxomicin

Some side effects of fidaxomicin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• abdominal or stomach distension or tenderness
• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• blurred vision
• difficulty with swallowing
• dry mouth
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• full feeling
• heartburn
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• indigestion
• passing gas
• stomach discomfort or upset
• sweating
• troubled breathing
• unexplained weight loss

For healthcare professionals

Applies to fidaxomicin: oral liquid, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, upper abdominal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal distension, flatulence, dry mouth
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal tenderness, dyspepsia, dysphagia, intestinal obstruction, megacolon, lower abdominal pain^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, decreased appetite
• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, peripheral edema, fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chills
• Frequency not reported: Increased blood alkaline phosphatase, decreased blood bicarbonate^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, neutropenia
• Frequency not reported: Decreased platelet count^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions (dyspnea, angioedema, rash, pruritus)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, pneumonia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Drug eruption, urticaria, follicular rash, maculopapular rash, exfoliative rash^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased ALT
• Frequency not reported: Increased hepatic enzymes, increased AST^[Ref]

Further information

Fidaxomicin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer