What is the strongest antibiotic for a sinus infection

• Different Types
  • What are the different types of sinus infection medicines?
• Side Effects
  • What are common side effects of sinus infection medications?

Table of Contents Show

• What are the different types of sinus infection medicines?
• What are common side effects of sinus infection medications?
• Where can people find more information about the side effects of OTC and prescription sinus infection and sinusitis drugs?
• What is the best antibiotic for a severe sinus infection?
• Why won't my sinus infection go away with antibiotics?
• What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?
• Can you take antibiotics for a severe sinus infection?

What are the different types of sinus infection medicines?

Many medications are used to treat symptoms of sinus infections, including

• corticosteroids such as Flonase and Dymista (fluticasone propionate),
• Nasonex (mometasone furoate),
• hydrocortisone, Nasacort AQ (triamcinolone),
• Kenalog-40 (triamcinolone), and
• flunisolide; antihistamines including
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine),
  • Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D (cetirizine),
  • Claritin and Claritin D (loratadine),
  • Clarinex (desloratadine),
  • Allegra and Allegra-D (fexofenadine),
  • Xyzal (levocetirizine),
  • Cyproheptadine (cyproheptadine hydrochloride),
  • Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine maleate),
  • Astelin and Astepro (azelastine hydrochloride); and
  • decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).

Cough suppressants such as Benylin or Delsym (dextromethorphan) may also be prescribed. In some cases, antibiotics will be prescribed such as

• Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate),
• Zithromax (azithromycin),
• Levaquin (levofloxacin),
• Bactrim or Septra (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), and
• Amoxil (amoxicillin).

SLIDESHOW

Could I Be Allergic? Discover Your Allergy Triggers See Slideshow

What are common side effects of sinus infection medications?

Side effects for sinus infection medications depend on the medication being used.

• Side effects of corticosteroids include
  • dizziness,
  • nausea,
  • indigestion,
  • increased appetite,
  • weight gain,
  • weakness or sleep disturbances.
• Side effects of some antihistamines may include
  • drowsiness,
  • heart palpitations,
  • difficulty urinating,
  • constipation,
  • dry mouth, and
  • nervousness.
• Side effects of decongestants include
  • palpitations,
  • insomnia,
  • nervousness, and irritability, trouble with urination, and
  • a decreased appetite.
• Side effects of cough suppressants include
  • drowsiness/dizziness,
  • nausea, or
  • vomiting.
• Side effects of antibiotics include
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • rash,
  • hives, or
  • lightheadedness.

Where can people find more information about the side effects of OTC and prescription sinus infection and sinusitis drugs?

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Always consult your doctor if you are having unexplained symptoms or questions related to your medications. For more information about the side effects of sinus infection medications, search for the drug and click on the drug's "Side Effects Center" on the page's top-left side.

From

References

Reviewed By:
Michael Manning, M.D.
American Board of Allergy & Immunology
REFERENCES:
FDA Prescribing Information.
UpToDate.com. Patient information: Acute sinusitis (sinus infection) (Beyond the Basics).

Depending on the cause, doctors may prescribe antibiotics for sinus infection, also called sinusitis.

When an individual has a sinus infection, fluids accumulate in the air-filled cavities in the face. Typically, these sinuses have a thin lining of mucus that collects dust, germs, and other particles from the air.

Tiny hair-like projections, called cilia, sweep the mucus and any particles trapped down the back of the throat into the stomach. However, in sinusitis, the mucus does not flow freely, and germs can multiply.

Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis, is one of the most common reasons people visit doctors in the United States. Almost 15% of the population experiences sinus infections each year, and it is one of the top conditions that doctors prescribe antibiotics for.

This article looks at antibiotics for a sinus infection, their benefits, and alternative treatment methods, including some natural remedies.

An individual does not always need antibiotics for a sinus infection. Many sinus infections improve without antibiotic treatment. In addition, because many sinus infections are viral in origin, antibiotics do not help in these cases and can cause unpleasant side effects.

Side effects can range from minor problems such as rashes to severe health issues, including antibiotic-resistant infections.

People should therefore discuss their symptoms with a doctor and find out the best treatment for them. Doctors will only recommend antibiotics when they suspect bacterial sinusitis.

Antibiotics are beneficial for bacterial sinusitis only. If an individual has a viral, fungal, or other sinus infection, antibiotics do not offer any benefits.

If a person has bacterial sinusitis, treatment with appropriate antibiotics can help resolve the infection. However, evidence shows that antibiotic therapy may not shorten symptom duration or lessen the likelihood of developing complications.

In fact, research shows that antibiotic treatment cures just 5–11% of people more quickly than if they receive no treatment. Many cases of bacterial sinusitis clear up by themselves within two weeks.

Doctors often suggest 10–14 days of treatment with amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate if an individual has bacterial sinusitis.

However, amoxicillins have become less effective in some areas because of antibiotic resistance. In these cases, a doctor may suggest switching to another antibiotic if there is no improvement in symptoms after a few days. The alternatives include:

• doxycycline
• fluoroquinolones
• cefixime with clindamycin

Doctors may recommend the following nonantibiotic treatments for sinusitis:

• Nasal decongestants: Over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays can help relieve symptoms of stuffiness. Options include pseudoephedrine and oxymetazoline. However, people should only use them for up to three days.
• Antihistamines: People with early stage allergic sinusitis may find these allergy medications helpful.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These medications reduce inflammation and swelling in the sinuses. However, they are most effective in chronic and allergic sinusitis.
• Pain relievers: Using acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help if an individual experiences facial pain.

Individuals with sinus infections could find the following natural remedies helpful in relieving uncomfortable symptoms:

• Resting: Resting while the body fights infection helps speed recovery.
• Humidifying the air: Keep the air moist with a humidifier or cool air vaporizer.
• Nasal washing: Saline nasal rinses can help flush out allergens, germs, and mucous plugs from the sinuses. People can also use a neti pot with previously boiled and cooled water.
• Drinking fluids: Drinking plenty of water or fruit juice helps keep the mucous membranes moist and promotes proper drainage from the sinuses.
• Inhaling steam: This involves pouring boiled water into a large bowl and leaning over while inhaling the water vapor. Usually, the individual drapes a towel over the back of their head, creating a tent over the bowl to trap the steam. The moist, hot air helps ease sinus pain and drainage. People can enjoy a similar effect from a hot shower.
• Using a warm compress: Applying heat to the sinuses using a warm washcloth may help ease uncomfortable sinus pressure. Ensure the compress is not hot enough to harm the skin.
• Elevating the head while sleeping: This position allows the sinuses to drain more easily and reduces congestion.

People may experience the following symptoms of sinus infections:

• facial pain
• facial pressure
• runny nose
• blocked nose
• headache
• mucus at the back of the throat
• sore throat
• cough
• bad breath

A combination of environmental and other factors can cause sinus infections, including:

• viruses
• bacteria
• fungi
• allergens such as pollen
• irritants such as smoke and dust

Viruses are the most common cause of sinus infections, and around 90% of people with colds have some form of viral sinusitis.

Viral sinusitis is usually self-limiting. However, an individual should make an appointment with their doctor if they experience the following:

• worsening symptoms
• severe headaches or facial pain
• symptoms that do not improve after 10 days
• a fever lasting longer than 4 days
• any concerning symptoms

Additionally, people should seek medical attention if they have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.

A sinus infection causes fluids to accumulate in the air-filled cavities in the face, and mucus no longer flows freely. Viruses and bacteria can then multiply and cause uncomfortable symptoms. These include facial pain, a runny or stuffy nose, and a cough.

Sinus infections can also occur due to irritants, allergens, and fungi.

Individuals do not always need antibiotics for sinus infections and using them when unnecessary can lead to unpleasant side effects. However, if a doctor believes the cause is bacterial, they may prescribe them.

If a person has bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics can help. But it is important to note that most cases of bacterial sinusitis clear up without treatment within 2 weeks.

People can help ease symptoms by inhaling steam, keeping the surrounding air moist, using nasal decongestants, and taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medication.