Zithromax, also known as azithromycin or Z-Pak, is a powerful antibiotic medicine that is commonly used to treat ear infections, tonsillitis and other bacterial infections.

Because this medication provides faster relief for patients, including children, than most other courses of antibiotic drugs, it has gained rapidly in popularity in the U.S. medical industry.

Recent cases demonstrate, however, that Zithromax medication side effects may present serious health risks to children who are prescribed the antibiotic. Children are especially vulnerable to antibiotic allergic reactions associated with the use of Zithromax, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Zithromax Medication Side Effects

For most patients, Zithromax offers a convenient and fast-acting alternative to older antibiotic formulations. Patients typically take one dose of Zithromax per day for three to five days to treat infections caused by bacteria.

In children, it is typically used to treat middle ear infections, pneumonia, and tonsillitis. Unfortunately, Zithromax and azithromycin treatments have been associated with a number of serious health risks for adults and children alike.

One of these harmful Zithromax medication side effects includes the risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

SJS is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction to medication, and is also known in a more severe form as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). These antibiotic allergic reactions can develop in a patient of any age and at any time, even if a medication that triggered SJS was previously tolerated.

A patient that suffers from SJS typically gets severe skin blistering or mucous membrane inflation. Many that develop SJS or TEN suffer symptoms similar to burn victims, and are often treated in a hospital’s burn unit. Patients who are lucky enough to survive their ordeal are potentially stuck with permanent injury including: scarring, sensitivity to light, and respiratory problems.

A 2006 a report found by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggested a link between Zithromax and SJS in at least two cases. In 2012, reports indicate a lawsuit was filed again Pfizer after a child developed SJS immediately after taking azithromycin, claiming the drug maker did not properly warn about dangerous antibiotic allergic reactions associated with the drug.

Understanding Azithromycin Risks

Stevens Johnson Syndrome constitutes one of the most serious threats to the health of children treated with Zithromax. This severe antibiotic allergic reaction can be triggered by the use of azithromycin and can result in necrosis of skin tissue and ulcerations of the mouth, lips and throat.

Some cases develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a dangerous condition that can prove fatal for its victims. While Zithromax is not the only medication that has been associated with Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the widespread popularity of this antibiotic has made it one of the most commonly cited triggers for the condition.

Zithromax SJS Lawsuits

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is rare condition and is seldom reported. Parents of children who have suffered from medication side effects like Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking azithromycin (Zithromax) have filed SJS lawsuits against the drug manufacturers, alleging that the drugs were not labeled adequately to warn about the occurrence of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

For patients and families who have experienced this type of issue, an injury from prescription drugs attorney who specializes in these types of cases can provide support in finding answers and obtaining compensation from pharmaceutical firms and other responsible parties.