Antibiotic Z-Pak Causes Irregular Heartbeats Warns FDA

FDA has recently issued warning against the popular antibiotic, Azithromycin, following reports that the drug caused irregular heartbeats in some patients.

FDA has recently issued a warning against the antibiotic, Azithromycin, which is commonly used to treat various infections of eye, ear and throat. Azithromycin, well known as Zithromax or Z- Pak is manufactured by Pfizer and is available as tablets or liquid.

FDA in its statement notes that Zithromax may disturb the electrical activity of heart and cause irregular heartbeats.

Clinical Trials and Its different Phases
Clinical trials serve as a vital component for improving the treatment of medical conditions as they lead to higher standards of patient care.

FDA warns doctors against prescribing the drug to patients with heart problems and magnesium or potassium deficiencies. The drug may also cause side effects, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Pfizer has updated the drug’s label about the abnormality in some patients and has noted that majority of the patients are not affected by the drug.

Source-Medindia

Drug Resistance – Antibiotic or Antimicrobial Resistance
Drug resistance is often a problem in malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and hospital acquired diseases. Judicious use of antibiotics can control the problem.

Antibiotic Resistance is a Major Global Threat
Britain's chief medical officer has said that resistance to antibiotics is a 'catastrophic' global threat.