FDA Issues Warning On Commonly Prescribed Antibiotic - WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader

FDA Issues Warning On Commonly Prescribed Antibiotic

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) - A new warning has been issued from the government about a commonly used prescription antibiotic, called azithromycin, or Zithromax or Zmax. It's a drug commonly used to treat those with tonsillitis, skin infections and pneumonia, but the FDA issued a safety announcement warning of the side effects.

The FDA sites a 2012 study that compared the use of zithromax to amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin or no drug over a five day period. What they found was those who used zithromax, noticed the following side effects:

  • Slower than normal heart rate
  • Lower levels of potassium or magnesium
  • Abnormal heart rhythms that sometimes lead to death


The FDA is not advising physicians to stop prescribing the drugs or health agencies to pull them from the shelves, but to consider the patient's medical history and symptoms before prescribing them.

Within the last year, Sparrow adjusted their policies to a case by case basis.

The FDA says they will continue to monitor all approved drugs. To review the drugs affected, visit Seen on 6.

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