Antibiotics for Sinus Infection

Best Antibiotics for Sinus Infection

Antibiotics for sinus infections are an old and established treatment approved by medical science. Antibiotics prevent bacteria from multiplying inside the body. When suffering from sinusitis, it is highly advisable to consult your doctor as soon as possible. It is important to determine the cause of infection. If it is caused by bacteria, the common practice for doctors is to prescribe antibiotics. However, if the cause is viral or fungal in nature, then antibiotics will have no effect.

There are many classes of antibiotics for sinus infections. They vary depending on the specific type of bacterial infection a patient is suffering from. Below are the most popular classes of antibiotics you can be prescribed with today:

Amoxicillin – This antibiotic is a type of penicillin, and you should take it in the dosage prescribed. Dosages vary based upon the individual and the condition needing treatment. You also need to complete the entire course of treatment prescribed, since bacterial infections can recur if treatment is stopped early.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole – Combination drugs such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Septra and Bactrim) can combat bacteria on two fronts internally. As one drug fights the bacteria by inhibiting the creation of a component the bacteria need to grow, the other drug stops production of a different, but also necessary, component.

Amoxicillin Considerations – Some people are allergic to penicillin or may be taking medications that could adversely interact with amoxicillin.

Antibiotics - When a bacterial sinus infection warrants antibiotic use, doctors have several to choose from, according to the Mayo Clinic. Amoxicillin is one option (like Amoxil or Trimox). Doxycycline (Doryx, Monodox and others) is another option. Doctors also may choose a two-drug combination (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole), such as Septra or Bactrim.

Doxycycline – This antibiotic is from the tetracycline class of drugs. Tetracycline drugs are an alternative to penicillin-type antibiotics. However, some bacterial strains are resistant to tetracycline drugs, requiring strain identification before prescription to prevent ineffective treatment, according to Drugs.com.

Caution:

While combination medications can provide a dual front against a sinus infection, they also can magnify any allergic reactions or adverse drug interactions. Therefore, your doctor should spend more time in determining your potential for these effects when prescribing a combination drug to fight sinus infections.

Summarized from well published author about antibiotics for sinus infection written by John Bartin & Radell Hunter.