FDA warns of 'Z-Pack' dangers

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- There's a health warning for a widely prescribed anti-biotic, commonly known as 'Z-Pack.' The Food and Drug Administration says it could trigger potentially irregular heart rhythms in some patients.

It's sold as Zithromax or Zmax, but most know it as 'Z-Pack.' It's the most widely prescribed antibiotic for bacterial infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

However, the Food and Drug Administration warns that it could be deadly for some patients with heart problems.

"We've known that medicines like Zithromax or medicines like it in some other classes can disrupt the electrical rhythms of the heart," said Dr. Zane Saul.
   
Dr. Saul, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Bridgeport Hospital, says the FDA advisory comes on the heels of a big study.

"They looked at deaths due to arrhythmias on patients on various antibiotics, and people on Zithromax had higher fatal arrhythmias than people who were on other antibiotic therapies," said Dr. Saul.

Those especially at risk are patients with a disorder linked to the heart's electrical cycles, and people with slow heart beats.

"They need to make sure that they tell any doctor that would prescribe an antibiotic that this is my medical history," Dr. Saul said.

The drug's maker, Pfizer, has updated labels to underscore the FDA warning. However, Dr. Saul says it's a wake up call for a popular drug that many request by name.     

"Don't ask for an antibiotic unless the doctor says it's absolutely necessary and the same for physicians who already knew about this from years passed," Dr. Saul said. 

Dr. Saul points out, just like other drugs, anti-biotics do come with side effects and for some, it can even be fatal.
  
The bottom line he says is that we all need to be careful when taking medications, including anti-biotics.