Antibiotic Zithromax safe, says Health Ministry

Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention has said that Zithromax (azithromycin), which is used to treat bacterial infections, is safe.

Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Public Policy and Licensing of the Ministry of Health and Prevention and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Pharmaceutical Vigilance, said the ministry received an official letter from the manufacturer Pfizer on observation of some rare cases of skin allergies caused by azithromycin.

He referred to a circular issued by the ministry several days ago directing health care practitioners to be cautious and follow up rare skin allergy cases worldwide that may occur as a result of using this product, while adding that warnings are added to the label of the product.

The UAE health official stressed the keenness of the ministry to issue guidelines on rational use of antibiotics to avoid the risks of misuse, and warned the public against taking antibiotics without consulting a doctor.

Zithromax (azithromycin) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ears, lungs and other organs.