Parents may find themselves with a tough judgment call to make when their young child starts showing what may be Zithromax side effects.

Some of these symptoms may not signal a serious problem, but others may be a sign of a serious antibiotic reaction like Stevens Johnson syndrome.

Zithromax, also known generically as azithromycin, is a type of macrolide antibiotic. These medications work either by killing bacteria or by preventing them from growing.

The same ingredient in Zithromax is also available in small, prepackaged courses under the brand names Z-Pak or Zmax.

In child patients, a rash can be related to a few different possible Zithromax side effects. Some of these may be only a mild and passing reaction.

Others may be early signs of medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment.

Zithromax side effects might show up as hives – red, swollen bumps that may last for only a few hours. An allergic antibiotic reaction may also show up as a lace-like rash, or as white or red pinprick-like spots.

On the other hand, a rash could also be one sign of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis may also show symptoms like itching, hives, hoarseness, swelling or trouble breathing.

Zithromax and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Another serious allergic antibiotic reaction that may present with a rash is Stevens Johnson syndrome. This rare condition is an inflammation that affects the skin and mucous membranes.

It’s triggered by an allergic reaction to a variety of medications, including antibiotics like Zithromax, as well as non-medication causes like an infection.

Other early symptoms of Stevens Johnson syndrome may include fever, fatigue, cough and sore mouth and throat. These early symptoms can be mistaken for signs of the flu.

The rash associated with Stevens Johnson syndrome tends to show up as red or purple areas of skin that are flat yet thickened.

As the condition progresses, these areas of rash tend to produce blisters that grow and spread. The top layer of skin in the affected area dies and peels away, exposing the sensitive dermis underneath.

If a case of Stevens Johnson syndrome progresses to cover a significantly larger area of skin, it may be referred to as toxic epidermal necrolysis. These two conditions are now considered to be less and more severe variants of each other.

Lesions also form on the mucous membranes, particularly those on the inside of the eyelid. Eye symptoms of this condition can progress into conjunctivitis, and the associated corneal damage and scarring puts the patient at risk for permanent blindness.

Damage to the mouth or throat may make speaking or swallowing food painful.

It’s not always easy to tell what Zithromax side effects are just passing annoyances and what others may be early signs of Stevens Johnson syndrome. The Mayo Clinic recommends seeking emergency medical attention if any of the following signs are present:

• Unexplained widespread skin pain
• Facial swelling
• Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes
• Hives
• Tongue swelling
• A red or purplish skin rash that spreads
• Shedding of your skin

Zithromax can have harmful side effects for children as well as adults, including risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Patients that do survive Zithromax SJS tend to have permanent injuries that include scarring, difficultly eating, and vision problems. It can take months of medical treatment to recover from SJS.

If you or a loved one suffered from Zithromax side effects such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, then you may not have been adequately warned about the dangers of the drug.  An experienced Zithromax attorney can help you decide if filing a lawsuit is the best legal recourse for you.