Zithromax is one of America’s most popular antibiotics, but it is currently facing scrutiny for allegedly causing patients to develop long-term health problems.

One of the newest Zithromax side effects reported is kidney failure, resulting in chronic treatment and antibiotic lawsuits being filed.

Approved by the FDA in 1992, Zithromax is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, skin infections, and even certain sexually transmitted diseases. Combined with its short prescription requirements, its wide array of uses has propelled Zithromax to one of America’s top antibiotics.

Zithromax belongs to a group of of antibiotics called macrolides, which work by preventing bacteria from reproducing. The drug does this by attacking the proteins essential for spawning, leaving the remaining bacterial cells to die or be destroyed by the body’s immune system.

This contrasts greatly with other antibiotics, which normally kill the bacterial cells directly. Moreover, the drug’s treatment mechanism allows for a five day prescription instead of ten, like most antibiotics, making it very popular among children and adults.

Overview of Zithromax Side Effects

Despite its popularity, Zithromax kidney complications have become a prevalent concern as a growing number of patients have reported it.

Over the years, a number of severe Zithromax side effects have been reported including liver failure, heart failure, and Stevens Johnson Syndrome. With kidney failure being the most recent addition to this list, the drug’s widespread use may result in many potential victims.

In a recent health survey conducted on eHealthMe.com, patients reported suffering Zithromax kidney damage. These patients had been taking Zithromax less than a month and had also been taking Aspirin. The reported information was collected from the FDA and social media sources.

By Jan. 2, approximately 10,968 Zithromax patients had been counted, with 267 (2.43%) reporting kidney failure.

As the numbers indicate, Zithromax kidney failure is a rare and unlikely event for patients to encounter. However patients should stay vigilant for any signs of kidney failure, as it is a serious health condition that can be potentially fatal.

Kidney failure occurs when the organs become unable to filter waste from blood, which causes dangerous levels waste to buildup in the body. For Zithromax kidney failure, the condition is most likely acute and much more aggressive than chronic damage building up over time.

Patients who suffer acute kidney failure often have to be hospitalized or need a kidney transplant, or even die. If early intervention is introduced, then patients could avoid the intense recovery process.

Despite the severity of Zithromax kidney failure, it is currently not listed on the drug’s label. Many antibiotic lawsuits are filed daily in the United States, alleging some form of product-liability claims.

In this case, the Zithromax lawsuits would allege that Pfizer had failed in its civic duty in warning patients of their drug’s side effects. Patients who suffer from Zithromax kidney failure are encouraged to file their own antibiotic lawsuit against Pfizer.