Zithromax is a popular antibiotic that is prescribed for both children and adults. Sadly, there have been reports of a Zithromax skin rash in kids.

The medication Zithromax, generically known as azithromycin, is used to treat many different types of infections.

Ear infections, upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, skin infections, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections, throat infections and other illnesses are often treated with Zithromax.

Zithromax works differently than other antibiotics. Zithromax works, not to kill bacteria directly, but to stop the reproduction of bacteria. This causes the bacteria to cease multiplying.

Normal antibiotics need courses of ten to fourteen days to work. Zithromax, however, is given in a three-day or one-day dose.

This is one of the reasons Zithromax is preferable to patients, and especially to parents of children.

A Zithromax skin rash in kids, known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, is a life-threatening drug reaction.

This Zithromax skin rash in kids is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its own skin, the largest organ in the body.

This Zithromax skin rash in kids can be mistaken for the flu early on and may have symptoms of fever, chills and muscle aches. However, a painful rash then develops. This skin rash is accompanied by sores, blisters and ulcers.

Sometimes, the Zithromax skin rash in kids can spread to the eyes and cause permanent visual damage. In severe cases, this condition can spread to the internal organs and cause organ failure.

A Zithromax skin rash in kids should be considered a medical emergency and requires emergency medical attention. Usually, SJS patients are treated in the burn unit of a hospital and require round-the-clock attention.

A survivor of a Zithromax skin rash in kids may face complications that are long-term including disfiguring, disabling scars and permanent blindness.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is usually caused by a reaction to a drug and Zithromax is among the known drugs that are linked with triggering this condition.

FDA Warned About Zithromax Skin Rash in Kids

In June 2012, the Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to Zithromax manufacturer, Pfizer. The FDA warned that the label on the drug did not adequately communicate the risk of Zithromax skin rash in kids and adults.

The FDA also stated that Zithromax’s promotional materials over-stated the efficacy of the drug while downplaying harmful side effects like SJS.

U.S. law states that the FDA must routinely monitor drug labels for accuracy and that the drugs are being used for what they have been approved for by the FDA.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a Zithromax skin rash in kids or adults, you may be entitled to legal compensation.