Is Zithromax Too Dangerous for People with Heart Conditions?

In a recent study completed by Vanderbilt University in Nashville, it was reported that the heart related deaths of people taking Zithromax, also known as Z-Pak, was up 2.5%. This may look like a small and insignificant number but many doctors are saying that this is an unnecessary risk – likely because there are options available to the patient that are just as effective without the risk.

One of the main reasons Zithromax is so widely prescribed is due to its convenience factor. While a Z-Pak only has to be taken for 5 days, other antibiotics often have to be taken for 10 days or longer. It has been a long time problem in the medical community of patients not taking their entire antibiotic prescription and instead stopping the consumption of the medication early because they are feeling better. This leads to the antibiotic being less effective the next time it is used as the bacteria becomes more and more resistant to the antibiotic. Zithromax is popular in the medical community and with patients because they only have to take it for the 5 days generally and everyone is happy. The doctor is happy because the patient takes the prescription in entirety and the patient is happy because they feel better and only have to take it for a short time.

However, there are now concerns beginning to grow among some in the medical community that this convenient antibiotic, Zithromax, may be too risky – especially of those with a heart condition to begin with.  Dr. Ryan Mullins of Trinity Clinic Broadway Crossing was recently quoted in saying, “We try to be very careful using that particular antibiotic with heart patients, especially.” The doctor went on to say that azithromycin, the generic version of Zithromax, can have an effect on the electrical components in some patients’ hearts, stating, “Whenever you have electrical problems with the heart, you don’t have a lot of warning. [The patient] may only experience some simple things where their heart races or feels like it’s skipping a beat.” These side effects can then lead to the patient experiencing an arrhythmia, a heart attack, or even death.

David Davis, a Pharmacist from Good’s Medicine Chest,  explained that there many other viable treatment options that are available today for those who do have a heart condition and that a Z-Pak is not worth the side effect risk in most situations. He went on to say, “There are antibiotics out there ranging from amoxicillin to all types of things that are still very good antibiotics even though they’ve been around for a long time.”

Many feel that even though the increased risk of death may seem small, the number of deaths is something that should not be ignored, including Mr. Davis. He goes on to say, “If you have a pre-existing cardiac condition or you’re on cardiac medication, it would definitely be something that you would want to talk to your doctor about.”

Other Zithromax/Z-Pak Side Effects

Zithromax has other side effects that the medication has been linked to as well. Some of these include the following:
 

• Liver Damage
• Cardiovascular problems
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
• Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic pulmonary disease
• Acute bacterial sinusitis
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
• Urethritis and cervicitis
• Genital ulcer disease

Filing a Zithromax/Z-Pak Lawsuit

If you or someone you know experienced a heart attack after taking Zithromax you may be able to file a Zithromax lawsuit. Visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation page right away. Provide your information and you can receive a free legal review from an experienced Zithromax lawsuit attorney.