6-Month-Old Baby Dies from Zithromax Overdose

Many people have heard the news reports citing studies that Zithromax can cause heart problems, including cardiac arrest, for some users. The popular antibiotic impacts the electrical activity in the heart, and the drug also remains dormant in the body long after the regimen has been stopped, making people who took it before without any problems susceptible to Zithromax heart effects the next time they take the drug. This means a person can take Zithromax for years, and suddenly experience complications — however, when it happens to a six-month-old baby, it can be deadly. 

Amaan Ahmmad was only a few months old in 2011 when Zithromax side effects allegedly claimed his life. The parents, Ummay Sultana and Amain Ahmmad of Brooklyn, took Amaan to the Brookdale University Hospital for a relatively straightforward case of pneumonia. Zithromax is often prescribed to children because, instead of the usual nine- or 10-day course of antibiotics, it’s only required for five days. However, there was a mix-up at the hospital and Amaan was given an adult dose — which is six times higher than that for a baby his age. The heart attack was almost immediate.

Sultana says that she saw right away that her son couldn’t breathe, and she had no idea what was happening. Allergic reactions to medications are common, but at the very least the family was already in a hospital. 

According to autopsy reports, Amaan went into cardiac arrest very soon after being given Zithromax and was declared brain dead.  Amaan’s death was an accident according to the New York City Medical Examiner. It was ruled a “result of complications following administration of an adult dose of the antibiotic azithromycin.”   

According to the hospital records, when Amaan was brought to the ER, he was described as “alert and responsive.” Of course he had a fever from the pneumonia, but that was the only sign of trouble. His death was caused by medical malpractice, according to the medical examiner. 

When Amaan was diagnosed with pneumonia, he was transferred to the pediatric unit. Zithromax was administered via an IV in his arm, and it took 36 minutes before anyone noticed anything wrong. CBS sought out the family after the tragedy to ask the father, Amain, who is responsible for Amaan’s death. “Hospital management, doctor, nurse of emergency,” he said. According to the hospital’s discharge records, Amaan was given 500mg of Z-Pak “in error” which resulted in cardiac shock.

At only 17 pounds, there’s no way little Amaan could have withstood that kind of dosage. It was, however, suitable for an adult — and yet Amaan was treated in the pediatric unit. “Nobody can feel worse for the family than the doctors and nurses that were involved in this child’s care,” a pediatrician who is unrelated to the hospital said. However, that’s no comfort for the family. 

“They told us there is no hope because his head is totally collapsed,” Amain told reporters. As for the hospital? They have refused to speak up on the matter.

Zithromax Lawsuits Filed Over Heart Complications

While baby Amaan was injured by an azithromycin overdose allegedly caused by hospital error, other patients have reportedly suffered heart side effects from normal doses of Zithromax. Studies show that sudden cardiac deaths are more prevalent in Zithromax users compared to those who take other antibiotics or no antibiotics at all.

If you or a loved were prescribed Zithromax or Z-Pak and suffered heart problems or an allergic reaction such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you may have a legal claim for compensation. Find out more about your options at the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation. You can submit your information for a free case evaluation by a skilled and compassionate Zithromax injury lawyer.