Zithromax (Azithromycin), one of the most popular antibiotics in the country, has been linked to severe liver and kidney complications.

Zithromax is strong, and can be prescribed for three- and five-day prescription packages instead of the traditional 10-day prescription required with most other antibiotics.

It is commonly sold under the name Zpak or Zmax and is manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. In addition to allegations of Zithromax kidney failure and liver damage, other Zithromax complications associated with the antibiotic treatment include:

• Stevens Johnson Syndrome
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
• Allergic reactions
• Lesions and/or blisters in the eyes, genitals, throat, and mouth
• Birth defects

As a result of these complications, which many patients claim were not warned about on the drug’s warning label or promotional material, Pfizer is facing lawsuits for personal injury and product liability related to Zithromax complications.

Zithromax Liver and Kidney Damage

As early as 1998, Pfizer’s Zithromax was connected to liver side effects. However, Zithromax’s warning label remained unchanged until a 2000 FDA mandate required the company to inform consumers of this possibility.

A year later, the agency required the company to make another drug label update regarding jaundice, necrosis, liver failure, abnormal liver function, and death connected to the use of azithromycin. These instances of Zithromax liver damage and liver failure can  occur in patients without preexisting liver issues.

Some symptoms of Zithromax liver complications include:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Clay-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Skin discoloration

If you have taken Zithromax and suspect that you may be experiencing kidney complications because of your antibiotic prescription, some symptoms to report to your doctor include:

• Changes in urination
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face and/or hands
• Fatigue
• Skin rash/itching
• Metallic taste in the mouth/Ammonia breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Feeling cold
• Leg pain

If you or someone you love has experienced any Zithromax liver or kidney symptoms listed above, see a doctor. Afterward, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to see if you can be part of a Zithromax class action lawsuit or individual Zithromax lawsuit against Pfizer seeking compensation for the medical bills and injuries from using the antibiotic.