New Study Suggests Zithromax Side Effects More Likely From Medication Overexposure

New Study Suggests Zithromax Side Effects More Likely From Medication Overexposure

By Amanda Antell

A new study on Zithromax revealed that if the body is overexposed to the powerful antibiotic, it becomes more susceptible to the medication’s side effects, including cardiac complications. The study also said that overexposure can occur if Zithromax is prescribed unnecessarily to a condition that does not warrant the medication.

This recent study, Is Zithromax Being Used Unnecessarily, was published online in JAMA Internal Medicine on October 3, 2013. The study not only conducted its own investigation, but refers to similar findings in different studies. The authors in this study chose to treat two groups of patients with Streptococcus (GAS) infection, an uncommon bacterial infection which can lead to sore throat. One group was given penicillin to treat their infection, while the other was given Zithromax.

While Zithromax was ultimately considered the superior medication in the scientific study, it was found that patients had become more susceptible to the drug’s side effects, supposedly because their bacterial infection had not been strong enough for the drug’s mechanism.

This has led to several different scientific organizations to conduct their own investigations into this possibility, and even lead to a debate in the 2013 Infectious Diseases Society of America conference. The researchers presented their findings from the original study, and opened themselves to questions and critique from different researchers. Some of the supportive researchers pointed out that even though 60% of patients are given antibiotics for their sore throat, only 10% actually required such medication.

In other words, some of the researchers condoned the theory of unnecessary exposure to powerful antibiotics could be considered an opening to patients suffering major side effects. Other support material for the JAMA study presented to the Infectious Diseases Society of America, included an unpublished study that observed patients with bronchitis. This study found that approximately 75% of patients with bronchitis are given antibiotics, despite being a viral infection.

Furthermore, the study concluded that unnecessary use of strong antibiotics puts the patient at risk of suffering adverse reactions. In some of these cases, the patient is not only placing themselves at risk, but is also receiving no benefit from the antibiotic. Lastly, overuse of powerful antibiotics like Zithromax, makes the medications less effective.

Overview of Zithromax Side Effects

Zithromax (Azithromycin) is one of the world’s bestselling antibiotics, and is one of the most popular in the US. It is manufactured by Pfizer and used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, typhoid, bronchitis and sinusitis. Many medical experts attribute Zithromax’s success to the short time required when it is prescribed, making it immensely popular among adults and children. The required prescription period of Zithromax is five days, whereas other antibiotics would require ten days.

However, trouble for this drug was announced in 2013, when the FDA issued a public warning stating that Zithromax, can potentially change the electrical activity in the heart, which could lead to heart arrhythmia or other cardiac complications. The conditions associated with Zithromax that the FDA warned the public of continue to be:

•        QT interval prolongation
•        Low levels of potassium or magnesium in blood
•        Slow heart rate
•        Use of certain drugs used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias

Zithromax Litigation Movement

Many legal experts criticize Pfizer for not making any update to Zithromax’s warning label until 2012, which has led to various legal movements against the company across the US. Many plaintiffs are accusing Pfizer of: negligence, false advertising, concealing information, and misrepresenting a product.

File a Zithromax Lawsuit Today

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of a Zithromax cardiac complication, you have legal options. Please visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, & Azithromycin Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned Zithromax lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The Zithromax attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.