Zithromax (Azithromycin) is the most popular antibiotic in the United States, and is manufactured by Pfizer. Millions of Americans across the country request Zithromax to treat their bacterial ailments, with many of them unaware the drug has been linked to dangerous side effects.

When Zithromax was first approved in 1992, it was to treat a variety of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, and respiratory infections. Since its approval, it has dominated the antibiotic market and has been approved to treat a wider range of conditions, including certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

While the profitability of Zithromax has decreased over the years due to other pharmaceutical companies releasing generic variations, it still continues to be a great financial contributor to Pfizer. Zithromax sales were over $400 million in 2012.

According to medical experts, the popularity of Zithromax stems from its short prescription requirement, with Zithromax only requiring five days instead of the typical 10. Parents have especially become fond of Zithromax, due to the fact that children are typically reluctant in taking medications.

Despite the recent accusations of liver damage and cardiac complications, Zithromax still remains at the top of the antibiotic market.

Zithromax is a part of an antibiotic drug family called macrolides, in which each of the drugs are bacteriostatic. This means that these drugs work by preventing the bacteria from regenerating and reproducing, by stopping protein production.

Without new bacteria cells to replace the dying cells, the remaining bacteria will either die off or be destroyed by the patient’s immune system. This contrasts greatly from other antibiotics, which directly kill the bacteria and break down much quicker in the body. Additionally, Zithromax relies on the patient’s white blood cells to carry it directly to the bacteria, where most antibiotics float freely.

Once Zithromax arrives at the bacteria site, it concentrates on the surrounding tissue, which allows the dose to last longer and erases the need for extra doses.

One of the most commonly mentioned severe side effect is liver disease, resulting in severe liver damage or failure in some cases. The risk of Zithromax liver damage occurs because the drug is metabolized in the liver, which can directly affect to the organ’s functioning.

Hepatotoxicity (toxic liver diseases) and hepatitis have allegedly occurred after taking Zithromax, with occasional deaths as a result. Medical experts warn patients to report any abnormal side effect to their physician when taking Zithromax, as well as any medication, in order to properly diagnose a potential problem.

Zithromax Liver Toxicity Complications

There are many reasons as to why liver failure could occur, but it only happens if a large part of the liver sustains serious damage. This damage is so significant that the organ is no longer able to function, which can result in death if an organ transplant cannot be done.

As a chronic condition, liver damage often takes years to develop and grows gradually over the years. In rare cases of acute liver failure, it can result in almost certain death as the organ can fail as quickly as 48 hours, while being just as difficult to detect as the chronic variant.

Without certain medical testing, liver damage can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages, so it is important to know what to look for; early liver damage symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea

As liver damage progresses, the patient will start to feel severe discomfort and notice odd behaviors from their body. The signs of severe liver damage include, but is not limited to:

• Frequent bleeding
• Jaundice
• Swollen abdomen
• Disorientation
• Sleepiness
• Coma