A recent study suggests that Zithromax side effects could lead to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia, irregular heart beats which may lead to a heart attack and even death.

Zithromax (also known as Z-Pak or Z-Max) has been the subject of many studies which have come to similar conclusions — that this popular antibiotic carries unknown heart risks in addition to other negative Zithromax side effects and should be used with caution.

The Annals of Family Medicine published a study in the March/April issue that claimed Zithromax significantly increased the risk of death and heart problems. The researchers, from the University of South Carolina, looked at nearly 1.8 million people using Zithromax and similar medications.

This large control population came from data from the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. It was shown that Zithromax users had a significant increase of mortality and heart arrhythmia during the first five days of use (when given on a 10 day treatment plan). The mortality rate significantly dropped after day five.

These findings support other allegations concerning Zithromax side effects. The first study was published by the New England Journal of Medicine in May 2012. The study found that Zithromax users were 2.5 times more likely to experience severe negative Zithromax side effects (on a five day treatment plan). The rate is increased for those who have a preexisting heart condition.

Dangerous Zithromax Side Effects

Zithromax belongs to a class of antibiotic drugs called macrolides. Macrolides are known to cause heart rhythm problems, including a very dangerous condition called torsades de pointes. The heart rate for someone with torsades de pointes ranges from 150-250 beats per minute and is often deadly.

Zithromax side effects allegedly include heart attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), liver failure, and cardiovascular problems.

SJS, a severe skin disorder which causes the skin to blister, affects less than 30 percent of the skin, while toxic epidermal necrolysis covers more than 30 percent.

These Zithromax side effects are typically very serious and require immediate medical attention and invasive treatment. There can be life-altering, if not deadly, complications.

The number of Zithromax class action lawsuits has risen as the drug’s side effects become more well known. These Zitromax side effects have allegedly not been adequately advertised by Pfizer, the maker of Zithromax. Families who have lost loved ones are taking legal action and filing wrongful death lawsuits, sometimes suing for loss of consortium, or loss of intimacy with their spouse.

Zithromax is an extremely profitable drug for Pfizer. In 2011, Pfizer made more than $450 million from Zithromax sales alone. It is a common antibiotic used to treat infections in the respiratory system and urinary tract. It may also be used to treat tonsillitis.

Studies have suggested that Zithromax is a more dangerous alternative to other antibiotics, that Zithromax risks may not be worth the convenience of a short-term antibiotic.