Z-pak (azithromycin) is not the recommended antibiotic for bacterial sinus infections nor pneumonia (common bacterial infections associated with upper respirato

Z-pak (azithromycin) is not the recommended antibiotic for bacterial sinus infections nor pneumonia (common bacterial infections associated with upper respiratory infections) per most guidelines. Interestingly though, it does have anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its main antibacterial effect. When I see a clinician prescribe a Z-pak (urgent cares are notorious for having a low threshold for prescribing Z-paks), part of me wonders if it's to avoid overuse and potential resistance to appropriate antibiotics and placate patients who want a quick fix. The downside is that since they feel better from the anti-inflammatory effect, its supports their initial thought they needed antibiotics and in the future will always think they need them, even though they very likely only have a viral infection.