For over decades now, Zithromax has been one of the premiere choice antibiotics and has been prescribed to millions of Americans, and it still remains at the top of the antibiotic market.

First approved in 1992, Zithromax (also sold as azithromycin, Zpak, and Zmax) was originally only approved to treat certain skin and respiratory infections.

Over the years, the drug has been approved to treat a much wider variety of infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, and even some sexually-transmitted diseases. Essentially, if the infection is due to bacterial formations, it is likely that Zithromax is able to treat it. However, experts warn patients not to be so quick to request the popular antibiotic.

Before the release of generic Zithromax, the drug had been garnering billions in annual profits for Zithromax drug maker Pfizer. Even now, Zithromax still brings in a significant portion of the company’s income, as it is still preferred by physicians and patients alike.

Experts state that there are various reasons for Zithromax’s popularity, including its short prescription and its unique treatment mechanism. However, this popularity does not necessarily equate to benefits, as physicians have indicated that overprescribing is a major issue with Zithromax.

According to medical experts, by prescribing Zithromax when the drug is either not relevant or needed, resistant bacterial strains are formed and the drug allegedly becomes ineffective.

Overview of Zithromax Complications

In contrast to other antibiotics, Zithromax works by stopping bacteria cells from reproducing and containing the infection sight. Its prescription only lasts five days, compared to the typical ten, guaranteeing its popularity with parents and children.

While the majority of patients are nothing but satisfied after using Zithromax, it has recently been alleged to cause a number of severe side effects, such as liver failure. There are a number of other Zithromax complications, but liver damage has been one of the most frequently reported.

Experts explain that because Zithromax is metabolized and processed through the liver, patients with pre-existing liver conditions may be at a high risk for liver failure. However, even patients without any underlying liver conditions, could potentially suffer Zithromax complications.

Liver failure can occur in chronic or acute formations, with doctors warning heavily against acute liver failure. When acute liver failure occurs, it is quick, aggressive, and quickly turn fatal within weeks. Patients suffering from this condition, should be hospitalized as soon as possible.

Depending on the severity of the case, the liver damage could be reversed with treatment, with more severe cases requiring liver transplants. Doctors advise Zithromax patients to consult their physicians if they experience any sign of liver damage, such as:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Abdominal Pain
• Nausea
• Fever
• Severe Fatigue
• Dark Urine
• Elevated Liver Enzymes

Despite the severity of this complication, many patients have reported being oblivious to these Zithromax side effects until they experience them first hand. Pfizer has been accused of concealing liver failure and other severe Zithromax complications from the drug’s label in order to protect the product’s market value. There have been numerous Zithromax product-liability suits filed against Pfizer, alleging that the company either knew or should have known about these Zithromax complications.