Final answer:
Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, is commonly used to treat pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients, especially against bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Step-by-step explanation:
For the treatment of pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), azithromycin is among the common antibiotic medications used. This antibiotic falls within the class of drugs known as macrolides, which are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that commonly infect the lungs of CF patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen commonly associated with CF, can cause serious infections and is often treated with aminoglycosides such as tobramycin, as well as macrolides like azithromycin.
It's important to note that antibiotics like penicillin and tetracyclines may not be effective against certain pathogens like Mycoplasma pneumoniae which lacks a cell wall. In the context of CF, proper antibiotic treatment is vital to manage pulmonary infections and prevent lung damage that could lead to increased morbidity and mortality.