Many who take the popular antibiotic Zithromax do not expect severe side effects. However, severe Zithromax skin side effects have become a concern for those who take the medication.

Zithromax, generically known as azithromycin and marketed in short courses known as Z-Pak, has been approved as an antibiotic for 25 years. It was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an antibiotic to treat respiratory and skin infections.

Now it is also prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections and lung infections. It is also used to fight against certain sexually transmitted infections and bacterial inflammations.

Zithromax has been found to have several different severe side effects. Clinical trials showed that 12% of patients exhibited side effects, some showing Zithromax skin side effects.

The more common side effects from Zithromax included gastrointestinal side effects including diarrhea, nausea and pain in the stomach.

Other minor side effects of Zithromax include

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Hearing problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

Some more serious, but rare Zithromax side effects include

• Allergic reactions
• Breathing difficulties
• Liver problems
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Muscle weakness
• Skin rash
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome

One of the rare, but very serious side effects of Zithromax comes in the form of a skin rash. Zithromax skin side effects may begin quite innocently and present as a slight rash with flu-like symptoms. These side effects could be early signs of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a rare but highly dangerous allergic reaction to certain medications that can occur as a reaction to Zithromax.

In the next phase of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the skin of the patient begins to blister and large red rashes are seen on the body. Brightly colored lesions appear on the body and the skin begins to die. The epidermis begins to separate from the dermis, and large areas of skin on the body begin to separate and peel off.

These Zithromax skin side effects affect the mucous membranes of the body including the eyes and mouth as well. The eyes, especially, are at risk. Those with Stevens Johnson Syndrome can experience conjunctivitis, blisters on the cornea as well as corneal holes, and in some cases vision loss.

If Zithromax skin side effects become Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the patient is at serious risk and should seek immediate medical attention. Often, patients with Stevens Johnson Syndrome are treated in the burn unit of a hospital and treatment focuses on wound healing and pain relief.

If Stevens Johnson Syndrome progresses beyond a certain point and the rash and blisters cover over 30% of a patient’s body, the condition may be classified as toxic epidermal necrolysis. Both conditions are deadly, but toxic epidermal necrolysis is especially frightening because the survival rate is much lower than those patients who have Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

If you or someone you love has taken Zithromax and has exhibited Zithromax skin side effects, take care that you seek medical attention if it progresses. You may also benefit from speaking with an attorney who can help you determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.