Zithromax, one of the most popular antibiotics, has long been associated with a variety of side effects. Kidney failure may be the latest to join the list.

Zithromax (azithromycin) was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992, to treat bacterial infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, ears infections, upper respiratory infections, and other bacterial infections. It is manufactured by Pfizer and largely became an antibiotic of choice because of its five-day dosing instead of the standard 10.

But that popularity could take a hit if kidney failure officially becomes a Zithromax side effect.

Kidney complications can be seen through decreased urination, exhaustion, or vomiting. If a Zithromax patient has experienced one of these adverse effects, they are encouraged to talk to their doctor and undergo a specific blood test that reads creatinine levels.

Kidney failure symptoms can vary but each is caused by unfiltered waste in the body. When kidney problems occur, potassium is not properly processed, which can cause heart arrhythmia and, potentially, death.

Treating the contributing factor is the first step in stopping the process. If diagnosed in time, kidney failure can be treated and kidney function could resume normally at some point. If kidney failure is not diagnosed in a timely manner, then the kidneys will fail and other health complications could arise.

Zithromax, also known as Z-Pak, belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides, which work by treating infections by stopping bacteria reproduction. Basically, Zithromax attacks the reproductive function in the bacteria, which prevents it from multiplying and spreading beyond the infection area.

The remaining bacteria cells eventually die out, which ends the infection. Additionally, Zithromax also has a fast-acting treatment mechanism than most other antibiotics.

Zithromax has lost some of its luster in recent years, after being named in numerous injury reports. It is alleged to cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and the FDA announced in 2013 that the drug could cause cardiac complications.