Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is prescribed to fight bacteria. It is taken to fight a variety of bacterial infections such as skin infections, respiratory infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Azithromycin is the active ingredient in the prescribed antibiotic, Zithromax, manufactured and marketed by Pfizer. The medication is also marketed under the pharmaceutical company under several other names including, Zmax and Z-Pak.

According to reports, however, there are several side effects of azithromycin, one of which can be the extremely dangerous condition Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Azithromycin works to kill off the bacterial infection by preventing the attempt of the bacteria to reproduce. It prevents the bacteria from producing proteins that are necessitated for bacteria to replicate.

By blocking the bacteria’s ability to replicate, bacteria are unable to increase in numbers and to grow. The ability for bacteria to spread, and to worsen the infection is also diminished. The function of the medication has therefore lessened. What happens next is for the body’s immune system to start kicking in and to start fighting off the bacteria on its own.

Side Effects of Azithromycin

Some common side effects of azithromycin include: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and headaches. Some less common side effects of the medication may include fever, swelling, cracked or scaly skin, and the blistering or reddening of the skin. There are also reports of azithromycin causing liver failure and kidney failure.

Azithromycin has also been linked to several serious side effects including SJS, or Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is usually caused by an allergic reaction from a medication or infection.

Symptoms of SJS include flu-like warning signs. Following flu-like symptoms, a red or a purplish rash typically results which is then followed by blisters that spread. Once the skin blisters, the uppermost layer of the skin then dies, which it then sheds. SJS affected skin can suffer infections and can take a while to heal.

SJS is a serious condition that usually requires immediate hospitalization. The treatment of SJS is focused on eliminating the cause, controlling the symptoms that result because of the condition, and decreasing the complications that may result as an individual’s skin grows back.

According to the Mayo Clinic, recovery of SJS may take weeks to months. The recovery period typically depends on the severity of the condition. Moreover, if caused by a medication, such as azithromycin, reports indicate that it is recommended to permanently avoid the drug and others that may be in the same class or closely related to the medication.

Patients who suffer SJS after taking azithromycin may be able to file an azithromycin lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer. Allegations against drug manufacturers typically include failure to properly warn consumers, the public, and medical community of the potential for serious adverse side effects of drugs like azithromycin.