Antibiotics & Liver Damage

Posted By EH on February 17, 1998 at 21:40:18:









I am writing because I am currently in the 39th day of a 90-day regimen of 250 mg of Zithromax per day to treated suspected Lyme Disease.  My son's fianc, an RN for 20 years, has warned me that this high-dose over such a long period may pose a risk to my liver and kidneys.  
I am a 69-year-old woman who has been sick since March of last year with a sore throat, stiff neck, arthritic symptoms, muscle twitching, and fatigue.  In April I found three ticks embedded in the back of my legs.  I live in Suffolk County on Long Island, the area where Lyme Disease is most prevalent.  I have all the symptoms of Lyme, though I've tested negative for the disease.  Some other tests results were abnormal, including:  WBC, RBC, HCT, MCH, RF, IGG, Total Protein, Complement C4, and Activated PTT.  In addition to my internist, I've seen a neurologist, an infectious disease specialist, and a rheumatologist.  My medical history includes rheumatic fever and chorea, from ages 7 to 13, and a mitral valve prolapse diagnosed at age 37.  
Do you believe it is safe to continue taking the Zithromax?  I am still ill and need some kind of treatment.  In the past year, I've also had the following antibiotics:
Feb '97 - Dental visit with 4,500 MG of Amoxicillin. (mitral valve precaution)
April '97 - One week high dose of Bioxin to treat sore throat.  (strep negative)
April '97 - Doxycline for 4 weeks to treat possible Lyme symptoms.
June '97 - 4,500 MG Amoxicillin during dental visit.
Sept '97 - 4,500 MG Amoxicillin during dental visit.
Jan/Feb '98 - Three dental visits with 2,000 MG of Amoxicillin each visit.
Thank you for any advice you can provide.