One of America’s most popular antibiotics, Zithromax (Azithromycin), has been repeatedly accused of causing devastating side effects in patients.

Some of the complications reported from patients include kidney failure, severe allergic reactions, heart problems, and liver damage.

Manufactured by Pfizer and approved by the FDA in 1992, Zithromax is typically prescribed to treat mild and severe bacterial infections like bronchitis, ear infections, or pneumonia.

Over the years Zithromax has been approved to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including certain sexually transmitted diseases.

Instead of the typical 10 day prescription period of most antibiotics, Zithromax is prescribed in a period of five days. This drug is most well known for its unique treatment mechanism, which targets the bacterial cell’s reproductive abilities.

Essentially Zithromax works by stopping the growth and reproduction of the infection quickly, while most antibiotics work by killing the bacterial cells.

This fast treatment process and short prescription regimes makes it a top choice for adults and children alike. It also makes Zithromax a very popular drug. However, its popularity brings both benefits and risks for Pfizer.

Overview of Zithromax Side Effects

Even with the millions in profit Zithromax brings in for Pfizer each year, the company has repeatedly faced complaints of severe Zithromax side effects from patients.

One of such complications is acute liver failure or chronic liver damage. It’s alleged that Zithromax may be causing liver damage in patients, because the drug is metabolized and processed through the organ.

Some Zithromax patients who are impacted are left needing liver transplants or even dying from the effects. Acute liver failure is the complete failure of the liver which can occur within several days or weeks in a person with no pre-existing liver disease.

While less common than chronic liver damage or failure, the condition is just as serious and the consequences just as deadly. Complications that can occur from liver damage include excessive bleeding, increased cranial pressure, and kidney failure.

Depending on the cause of the liver damage, the condition can be reversed with treatment if caught in time. In more severe cases, however, liver transplant may be the only option for the patient’s survival.

For this reason, patients who are suffering from pre-existing liver conditions could be at higher risk for this particular Zithromax complication. Patients who begin noticing their skin and eyes yellowing in color, that their urine is a dark color, or who suffer intense abdominal pain should see their physician immediately.

Pfizer did not update the warning label of Zithromax until January 2011, after numerous adverse event reports indicated a connection. This warning came too late to many patients who already suffered Zithromax liver damage, and were forced to contend with the results.

Patients who have suffered this Zithromax side effect are encouraged to seek legal counsel to see if they can file product liability charges.