What infections can Azithromycin be used to treat?

Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic that is effective against a variety of infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which ultimately helps to clear infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

For ear infections, particularly otitis media, azithromycin is often prescribed, especially in cases where patients may be allergic to penicillin or when first-line treatments are not effective. Its effectiveness in treating respiratory tract infections such as those characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also noteworthy; it can be used to manage acute exacerbations of COPD that are likely due to bacterial infections. Furthermore, azithromycin is utilized in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, again highlighting its versatility in tackling a range of bacterial infections.

Therefore, its ability to address ear infections, contribute to the management of COPD exacerbations, and treat skin/tissue infections supports the comprehensive answer that azithromycin can treat all of these conditions. This holistic utility illustrates why it is included in various treatment guidelines across multiple infection types.