Key takeaways
Metronidazole (Flagyl) and fidaxomicin (Dificid) are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a nitroimidazole antibiotic used to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections, such as trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and *Clostridioides difficile* (*C. diff*) diarrhea. It is available as a lower-cost generic and is typically taken three times a day. On the other hand, fidaxomicin (Dificid) is a macrolide antibiotic specifically used to treat C. diff diarrhea in people 6 months and older. Dificid (fidaxomicin) is taken twice a day and does not have a generic form available yet. While both medications can cause nausea and vomiting, metronidazole (Flagyl) has a serious interaction with alcohol and can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Dificid (fidaxomicin) is considered a first-choice option for *C. diff* infections and is shown to be more effective than vancomycin in preventing the infection from coming back.
