Fidaxomicin

Definition 1

A narrow-spectrum, 18-membered macrolide antibiotic isolated from the actinomycete Dactylosporangium aurantiacum subsp. hamdenensis with potential antibacterial activity. Although the exact mechanism of action has yet to be fully elucidated, fidaxomicin may bind to and inhibit bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, thereby inhibiting the initiation of bacterial RNA synthesis. When orally administered, this agent is minimally absorbed into the systemic circulation, acting locally in the gastrointestinal tract. Fidaxomicin appears to be active against pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, such as clostridia, enterococci, and staphylococci, but does not appear to be active against other beneficial intestinal bacteria. (NCI Thesaurus)

Definition 2

A substance being studied in the treatment of diarrhea caused by infection with Clostridium difficile (a type of bacteria that can grow without oxygen) in cancer patients. OPT-80 is a type of antibiotic. (NCI Dictionary)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Ficlatuzumab

A humanized monoclonal antibody directed against human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with potential antineoplastic activity. Ficlatuzumab binds to the soluble ligand HGF,…

Fibula Fracture

A traumatic or pathologic injury to the femur in which the continuity of the fibula is broken.

Fibula

The small, lateral calf bone extending from the knee to the ankle.

Fibrous Meningioma

A WHO grade I meningioma characterized by the presence of spindle cells that form bundles in a collagen matrix.

Fibrous Hamartoma of Infancy

A poorly circumscribed neoplasm arising from the soft tissues in infants. It is characterized by the presence of bland fibroblastic spindle cells,…

Fibrous Coat of the Liver

A thin layer of strong fibroareolar tissue beneath the serous coat covering the entire surface of the liver.