Over the past several years, concerns about the popular antibiotic Zithromax (azithromycin) have risen considerably over side effects as well as over-prescribing. Despite the reported injuries patients have suffered from this drug, it still remains popular.

Among the concerns about Zithromax side effects include cardiac complications, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and liver complications. After the number of injury reports for liver damage and cardiac complications rose, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered Zithromax’s label to include the risk of liver damage. The agency is reviewing the drug’s potential to cause sudden cardiac death.

Patients who suffer Zithromax liver damage often reported the following side effects:

• Yellow eyes
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Clay-colored stool
• Dark urine
• Elevated or abnormal liver enzymes

This is not a complete list, so patients who suffer any Zithromax side effects should report them to their doctor immediately.

Growing Concern about Zithromax Overprescription

Over the years, Zithromax has been prescribed for bacterial infections including pneumonia and bronchitis, and has historically been a popular choice for doctors.  Unfortunately, Zithromax’s popularity has risen so much that many experts are concerned that doctors often default to it when prescribing treatment medications. Even with recent studies and FDA warnings, doctors commonly prescribe Zithromax, and very little research is being done to develop new antibiotics.

According to an article in the New York Times, doctors reported that 55.3 million prescriptions for Zithromax were written in the United States last year. It was prescribed over amoxicillin and other popular antibiotics due to the preference of Zithromax’s shorter dosing requirement.

Zithromax is the most popularly prescribed antibiotic in the United States. With no upcoming competition, experts expect it remain in that spot for the next several years.

Zithromax works by preventing bacteria from reproducing by inhibiting protein synthesis, making the process quick and aggressive. Additionally, Zithromax’s short prescription requirement of five days is attractive to children and adults alike who do not want to endure the 10-day requirement that is typical of other antibiotics.

Patients across America have filed Zithromax lawsuits against the drug’s maker, alleging negligence and product liability due to the extreme Zithromax side effects. Victims claim that they were not properly warned of the possible side effects.