Key takeaways
Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) and Dificid (fidaxomicin) are both used to address infections caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), but they serve different purposes and are administered differently. Zinplava is a biologic given as a single intravenous injection to prevent future C. diff infections in high-risk adults already on antibiotics for a C. diff infection. In contrast, Dificid is a macrolide antibiotic taken orally twice a day for 10 days to treat C. diff diarrhea in people aged 6 months and older. Zinplava works by neutralizing a toxin released by the bacteria, while Dificid kills the bacteria by stopping them from making essential nutrients they need to survive. Both medications are only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of Zinplava include nausea, fever, and headache, while Dificid can cause also cause nausea as well as vomiting and stomach pain. Additionally, Zinplava has a risk of causing heart failure symptoms, especially in those with a history of the condition, whereas Dificid carries a risk of severe allergic reactions, particularly in those allergic to other macrolide antibiotics.
