Zithromax has long been linked to health problems, but the latest serious Zithromax side effects to be reported are kidney problems, including kidney failure.

What is Zithromax?

Manufactured by Pfizer, Zithromax (azithromycin, also known by the name Zpak or Zmax) is a popular antibiotic. It is popular because of it’s relatively short dosage cycle and the fact that it is a very powerful drug.

It is used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, ear infections, skin infections and tonsillitis. Zithromax also is used to treat sexually transmitted diseases.

Azithromycin was synthesized in 1980 and patented in 1981 by a Croatian pharmaceutical company, Pliva. It was also, at the same time, developed by the scientists at Pfizer. Pfizer gained exclusive rights to sell azithromycin under the name Zithromax in Western Europe and the U.S. in 1986.

Zithromax, like many drugs, has many listed side effects. However, there have been much more serious complications linked to Zithromax than just diarrhea, rash or fever.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening allergic skin condition, is a serious possible side effect of Zithromax use. More recently, both liver complications and kidney failure have been linked to Zithromax use.

Zithromax Kidney Failure

One study found that renal failure (acute kidney failure) has been linked to Zithromax users who are male and over 60 years old who take Aspirin, had been taking the drug for a duration of less than a month, and were HIV sufferers.

Of almost 11,000 azithromycin users studied, 252 (2.35%) were found to have renal failure.

Doctors and researchers alike have linked Zithromax use with kidney problems, including acute interstitial nephritis, in some patients. Acute interstitial nephritis is a form of nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys, affecting the interstitium of the kidneys and usually ends in kidney failure.

Nephritis may cause a change in the amount of urine a patient produces. They may experience a sudden increase or decrease. When the condition develops gradually, the patient first shows symptoms of kidney failure: nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, fatigue, and maybe itchiness or difficulty breathing.

Zithromax-related nephritis can be reversed if Zithromax is discontinued. However, if the case is severe enough, the patient may suffer renal failure.

When kidneys fail, they are no longer able to adequately filter waste products from the blood and they have a difficult time regulating the amount of water in the body. This leads to varying levels of electrolytes and acidity in the blood.

Other reports of user complications from Zithromax side effects included kidney infections and kidney damage.

Are My Kidneys Affected?

If you are a Zithromax user, some kidney failure symptoms that you can watch for include:

• Metallic taste in the mouth/ammonia breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in urination
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face and/or hands
• Fatigue
• Skin rash/itching
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Feeling cold
• Leg pain

If you experience any of these side effects while taking Zithromax, please seek out medical attention.  Moreover, if you or someone you love suffered from Zithromax side effects, you may have a legal claim. A specialized Zithromax attorney will be able to help you decide if this is an option.