Dificid gets nod as CDAD treatment

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection.

The agency announced the approval of Optimer Pharmaceuticals’ Dificid (fidaxomicin) tablets for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, also known as CDAD.

Clostridium difficile can cause diarrhea and lead to colitis, as well as other serious intestinal diseases and, in severe cases, death. The bacteria are spread by people touching items or surfaces contaminated with the bacteria or spores and then touching their mouths.