Azithromycin is the main ingredient found in the popular antibiotic Zithromax, which is commonly prescribed to adults and children.

This medication can treat a number of bacterial infections, but it can also induce a number of serious side effects in patients.

One of the most dangerous azithromycin side effects in kids reported includes the allergic drug reaction Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

The popularity of azithromycin stems from its convenient prescription regime, which requires five days of taking the medication instead of 10 days, as is common for other antibiotics.

Azithromycin works by inhibiting the reproduction functions of the bacterial cells, which ultimately contains the infection and causes the remaining cells to die out. Among the most common infections azithromycin is prescribed to children for include: ear infections, pneumonia, and strep throat.

Patients appreciate the short prescription regimen, but the severe complications associated with azithromycin has caused concern in the public and medical community.

Azithromycin can also be prescribed in one large single dose, which have reportedly induced higher rates of diarrhea and vomiting. In fact, commonly reported azithromycin side effects in kids reported includes: loose stools, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and rash.

Like other antibiotics, the azithromycin side effects in kids are relatively rare in occurrence.

While there is currently no diagnostic method available to predetermine Stevens Johnson Syndrome, children shown to be sensitive to azithromycin or other macrolide antibiotic are encouraged not to take it.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

While Azithromycin side effects in kids should be heavily monitored, all cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be potentially fatal.

Even though there is no way to determine if a patient will develop azithromycin Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the condition will begin with flu like symptoms and begin soon after starting the medication.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is often characterized by the red or purple skin lesions that appear on the body. These skin lesions later peel off and expose muscle and tissue to potential infection, which further compounds the patient’s condition.

Other azithromycin SJS symptoms infamously reported include swelling of the throat and eyes, causing problems with breathing and eyes sight. Patients who do survive Stevens Johnson Syndrome are often left with some form of blindness or skin damage, and have to be vigilant for any recurrence.

Even though SJS and other Azithromycin side effects in kids can be potentially fatal, Pfizer Inc. and generic manufacturing companies allegedly failed to adequately describe them on the drug’s warning label.

Parents whose child suffered Azithromycin SJS may be able to file legal action against the company, and should consult a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility.