What is the primary use for azithromycin?

Azithromycin is primarily used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as macrolides, which work by inhibiting the protein synthesis of bacteria, thereby stopping their growth. This makes azithromycin effective against a variety of bacterial pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases, among others.

The specificity of azithromycin as an antibiotic means it is ineffective against viral infections, which is why its use does not extend to treating conditions caused by viruses, such as the common cold or influenza. Additionally, it does not have applications in treating fungal infections or preventing allergic reactions, as those require different types of medications or treatments, such as antifungals for fungi or antihistamines for allergies. Therefore, its primary role in healthcare remains focused on combating bacterial infections effectively.