Any parent knows it is heartbreaking to see your child sick, even if it’s a simple virus with a fever, and they just aren’t as energetic and happy as they usually are.

It’s not uncommon for children to develop any number of infections that require a trip to the doctor for an evaluation.

For certain infections, such as upper respiratory infections, ear infections, pneumonia, sinus infections, throat and tonsil infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections and even ear infections, Zithromax may be prescribed as the antibiotic of choice.

However, a simple course of antibiotics can turn into something much more severe if a child develops antibiotic reactions, as in the case of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Zithromax Adverse Effects

Zithromax (azithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic that works differently than many other antibiotics. Rather than killing bacteria, Zithromax stops the reproduction of bacteria so the immune system can regain control of the infection and restore health.

Zithromax, also known as Z-max or Z-Pak, comes in a convenient dosing schedule and typically requires a shorter treatment duration than other antibiotics.

As with any medication, Zithromax adverse effects are common, usually mild and to be expected. Such side effects include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, mild rash or itching, headache and ringing in the ears. Many of these side effects will lessen and disappear as the body gets used to the medication.

In some cases, though, Zithromax can cause severe antibiotic reactions. Sometimes children can develop an anaphylactic type reaction to the drug, usually requiring hospitalization to stabilize the patient’s allergic reaction. Other times, a severe allergic condition called Stevens Johnson Syndrome may develop.

Zithromax and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a type of allergic reaction that occurs in response to a drug. Where some drug reactions occur when a new drug is started, SJS can develop at any time, even if a drug appeared to be “safe” with past usage.

The beginning stages of development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome may go unnoticed because the symptoms of the condition mimic the flu or other common infections for which the child is being treated. Fatigue, malaise, sore throat, fever and other flu-like symptoms are often expressed in the beginning of SJS and are often not considered a separate issue from the initial infection.

However, if left untreated, shortly after the flu-like symptoms appear, the characteristic Stevens Johnson Syndrome rash appears, with purple or red blisters on the skin and mucous membranes of the body. A small portion of the body can be covered in the rash, and in a more severe form of the condition, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) over 30% of the body up to almost the entire body can be covered in lesions.

As the rash spreads, it causes skin cells to die and the top layers of the skin to separate and slough off. This leaves the delicate lower layers of skin exposed, and at risk of infection. Children may look like burn victims with their top layer of skin missing.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. In the case of Zithromax adverse effects and other drug reactions, patients must stop the offending drug immediately and symptom management ensues. There is no cure for SJS and supportive measures like pain management, infection prevention and hydration and nutrition, usually by IV, are important.

Patients can be hospitalized for a few weeks up to a few months until their symptoms subside. This is particularly hard on children. Some patients recover fully, having no residual long-term effects; others are not so lucky and can suffer permanent organ damage and even blindness as a result of the condition. The mortality rate for SJS is 5-10%, and for the more severe TEN, it is estimated at 25-35%.

Zithromax SJS Lawsuit Information

If your child has suffered from antibiotic reactions leading to a diagnosis of Stevens Johnson Syndrome following Zithromax use, you may have a legal claim. An attorney will review your Zithromax adverse effects case with you at no charge and can help you determine what legal options are available to you.