Federal drug regulators have reviewed the high risk of adverse cardiovascular activity associated with the popular antibiotic Zithromax (also known as azithromycin, Z-Pak, Z-Pack, or Z-Max) after a 2012 medical study allegedly linked a slew of cardiovascular deaths with the use of Zithromax.

In May 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated it was taking the findings of the Zithromax study published in the New England Journal of Medicine under consideration after the published findings demonstrated an increased risk of death from cardiovascular events after a five-day course of Zithromax.

In comparison to other treatments like amoxicillin, Cipro, or no antibiotic therapy, Zithromax allegedly presents an even higher risk of adverse side effects to consumers, especially adverse cardiovascular events.

The Zithromax heart attack studies were conducted in Vanderbilt University, where the researchers allegedly discovered that patients taking Pfizer’s brand name antibiotic were 2.5 times more likely to die from a heart problem than patients taking amoxicillin.

Because of these findings, researchers have recommended that doctors should consider prescribing alternative antibiotic treatments to Zithromax for patients with known heart problems.

In response, the FDA has recommended that patients already prescribed a Z-Pak should continue to take their full antibiotic course unless directed to cease consumption by their doctor. However, the FDA has also asked healthcare providers to be aware of the risk of QT prolongation and heart arrhythmias when prescribing azithromycin.

Serious Zithromax Health Conditions

Zithromax is a popular antibiotic manufactured and sold by Pfizer. Z-Max is used to treat a number of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, tonsillitis, and other health concerns. Since 1996 FDA approval, Pfizer has reaped millions of dollars in sales just on their Zithromax drug alone.

While Zithromax has many potential benefits, it is not a risk-free drug. As previously stated, the 2012 study found that patients taking Zithromax are 2.5 times more likely to have a heart attack or other adverse cardiovascular problems in comparison to patients taking other antibiotics.

The following year, the FDA released another public notice, stating that Zithromax allegedly caused “abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm.”

Other serious health conditions allegedly linked to Zithromax use besides heart attack include:

• Stevens Johnson Syndrome
• Liver failure
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
• Cardiovascular problems
• Sudden death

Zithromax Side Effects

In addition to severe health conditions linked to Zithromax, there are also some minor, yet still potentially worrisome, Zithromax side effects:

• Chest pain, uneven heartbeats
• Severe skin reaction
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Stomach pain or upset
• Dizziness, tired feeling, or headache
• Nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia)
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Ringing in your ears, problems with hearing
• Decreased sense of taste or smell.

As a result of both major and minor side effects, many consumers have filed Zithromax lawsuits or joined Zithromax class action lawsuits.