The macrolide antibiotics, which include the prescription drug Zithromax, prevent bacterial growth and reproduction. Zithromax acts similarly to other macrolides (erythromycin and clarithromycin) by attaching to the bacteria's 50S ribosomal subunit and preventing it from producing proteins, thriving, and surviving. In 1980, a group of Croatian scientists at Pliva made the discovery of azithromycin, which was then sold in Central and Eastern Europe eight years later under the trade name Sumamed. The FDA approved azithromycin in 1991, and Pfizer began selling it on the US market under the trade name Zithromax.

For the treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and diseases of the reproductive system brought on by different kinds of bacteria, doctors can prescribe Zithromax to both adults and children. Additionally, several STIs (such as gonorrhea and chlamydiosis) and moderate to severe bacterial acne (induced by acne) are treated with zithromax. It is used to treat strep throat, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and tonsillitis in kids. For the treatment of viral illnesses like the common cold and influenza, zithromax is not advised.