Is azithromycin capsules an anti-inflammatory drug?

Generally speaking, azithromycin capsules are not considered anti-inflammatory drugs in the traditional sense; instead, they are antibiotics that are effective only against inflammation caused by bacterial infections and ineffective against inflammation triggered by viruses or other factors. The detailed explanation is as follows:

In terms of drug classification and mechanism of action, anti-inflammatory drugs typically refer to medications that directly suppress inflammatory responses. Azithromycin capsules, however, work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby killing or suppressing bacteria. When bacterial infections cause inflammatory conditions such as sore throat or bronchitis, eliminating the bacteria leads to relief of inflammation. This indirect effect often causes azithromycin to be mistakenly regarded as an anti-inflammatory drug. In reality, it improves inflammation indirectly through its anti-infective action. If inflammation is caused by non-bacterial factors such as viral infections, allergies, or trauma, using azithromycin will not alleviate symptoms and may instead increase the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or contribute to bacterial resistance.

In daily use, it is important to accurately identify the underlying cause of inflammation, avoid indiscriminate use of medication, and select appropriate drugs based on the type of infection under professional guidance. Additionally, attention should be paid to correct dosage and treatment duration to ensure safe medication use.