Zithromax (azithromycin) is a popular antibiotic manufactured by Pfizer that is used to treat different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, skin infections, ear infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Recently, however, there have been reports of severe side effects linked to the drug, including Zithromax liver damage resulting in the need for liver transplant surgery and liver failure.

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax, also referred to as Z-Pak and Zmax, is in a class of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. Like all macrolide antibiotics, Zithromax prevents the spread of bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins.

Since Zithromax hit the market in 1992, it became one of the most popular antibiotics for treating bacterial infections. The appeal lies in the drug’s ability to provide continual levels of antibiotics to infected areas. Thus, the potency is considerably higher when compared to other traditional oral antibiotics.

However, it is this potency that can cause severe liver damage when the body processes the drug.

Zithromax Liver Side Effects

Zithromax is widely prescribed for all types of bacterial infections. However, recent warnings have been added to the drug’s label regarding abnormal liver function, liver failure and even death.

When passing through the body, Zithromax must be filtered through the liver. It is here where the drug accumulates and begins to cause severe side effects.

Symptoms of Zithromax liver damage include:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Clay-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Skin discoloration

Zithromax FDA Warning

Zithromax was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992. There are reports that Pfizer knew about potential Zithromax liver side effects as early as 1998 but waited to change the warning label until they were required by the FDA to do so in 2001.

The new warning label was modified to include warnings about Zithromax liver failure and other hepatic liver side effects.

Zithromax Lawsuits

Many of the current Zithromax lawsuits claim that Pfizer was aware of the liver risks for years but said nothing.

Patients who have suffered from Zithromax liver damage or failure may be eligible to file a Zithromax lawsuit against Pfizer. Zithromax victims may be entitled to financial compensation to cover the costs of medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. In the case of a death from Zithromax, family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to receive compensation for their loss.