Compare Zinplava vs. Dificid

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.