The Best Antibiotics for the Treatment of Bacterial Sinus Infections

There are two types of bacterial sinus infections: acute and chronic. An acute sinus infection lasts only a short time and is generally a stand-alone occurrence, responding to a single round of antibiotics. Chronic sinus infections may last several weeks, reoccur frequently throughout the year, and often require the use of several rounds of antibiotics.

A survey conducted in the United States showed the most commonly used antibiotics for the treatment of acute and chronic sinus infections were in the penicillin family (27.18% for acute, 30.35% for chronic), followed by macrolides (24.32% and 14.03%), and then cephalosporins (17.98% and 13.80%).

Below are some of the best antibiotics for the treatment of sinus infections. All fall into one of the above-mentioned groups. While we all tend to take antibiotics for granted, they are serious medications and should only be used under the care of a doctor and after educating ourselves about them.

Best Antibiotics for Sinus Infections: Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin family. Penicillin antibiotics work by slowing the metabolic functions of the bacteria and stimulating the production of certain enzymes. The combination results in the weakening and eventual destruction of the bacterial cell wall.

Amoxicillin is the most common antibiotic prescribed for bacterial sinus infections. It has an efficacy of 88.8% in mild cases of acute sinusitis, as well as in mild or moderate cases of chronic sinusitis when previous antibiotics have not been used. Common brand names for amoxicillin are Amoxil and Trimox.

In adults, the common prescribed dosage for mild sinus infections is 250 milligrams every 8 hours, or 500 milligrams every 12 hours. A more severe sinus infection may require up to 875 milligrams every 12 hours. The prescribed amount for children varies by age and weight.

Amoxicillin comes in tablet form, with must be swallowed whole. For those who cannot swallow the tablet, the antibiotic is also available in liquid and chewable tablet forms. Drugstore.com sells the generic 500 milligram tablet form of Amoxicillin for $49.99 for 100 tablets. Their price for 20 500 milligram tablets (1 tablet, twice per day, for 10 days) is $28.99.

Amoxicillin may be taken on a full or empty stomach. The liquid formula may be taken straight or mixed in juice, milk, baby formula, or water.

Common side effects of amoxicillin include irritation of the mouth or throat, nausea, vomiting, and mild diarrhea. These side effects generally go away as your body becomes adjusted to the medication.

Other side effects may include: agitation, anxiety, confusion, convulsions, behavioral changes, hyperactivity, dizziness, insomnia, peeling skin, rash, hives, anemia, colitis, jaundice, liver problems, and tooth discoloration in children. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor or seek medical attention.

Before using amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin, or if you suffer from asthma, colitis, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, a blood clotting disorder, or if you are pregnant or nursing. Inform your doctor if you are currently taking estrogen, oral contraceptives, probenecid (anti-gout medication), or other antibiotics. If you have phenylketonuria, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking the chewable tablet formula of amoxicillin.

Best Antibiotics for Sinus Infections: Augmentin
Augmentin (Amoxicillin/clavulanate), also in the penicillin family, is the second most common antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial sinusitis. It has a 93.3% efficacy in mild sinus infections, as well as mild or moderate cases of chronic sinusitis when previous antibiotics have not been used. In moderate cases with a history of antibiotic use during the past 4-6 weeks, it has an efficacy of 94.4%.

The common prescribed dosage for adults is 250 milligrams every 8 hours or 500 milligrams every 12 hours, with higher dosages for more severe sinus infections.

Augmentin comes in tablet form, with a liquid and chewable tablet available for young children who cannot swallow a whole tablet. Drugstore.com sells the 500 milligram tablet at $166.71 for 30 tablets. Their price for 20 500 milligram tablets (1 tablet, twice per day, for 10 days) is $111.14. If you are prescribed Augmentin, ask your doctor or pharmacist if the generic version would be right for you, as it is quite a bit cheaper ($45.99 for 20 tablets).

Augmentin may be taken on a full or empty stomach. Taking it with food will help to prevent an upset stomach. If you are prescribed an extended release formula, always take it with food, as your body will absorb the medication better.

Common side effects of Augmentin include stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, headache, skin rash and itching. While these are generally not serious, contact your doctor for further instructions.

More serious side effects of Augmentin include: watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, pale or yellow skin, fever, confusion, weakness, easy bruising, numbness, red skin rash, blistering, peeling skin, fever, loss or appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and sore throat. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if you experience any of these side effects.

Tell your doctor about any allergies you may have, including if you are allergic to penicillin, amoxicillin, or cephalosporin antibiotics (such as Ceftin, Ceclor, or Keflex). Inform your doctor of your medical history, including if you have liver disease or a history or liver problems, kidney disease, diabetes, mononucleosis, or if you are pregnant or nursing. Your doctor needs to know about any other medication you may be taking, especially oral contraceptives, probenecid (Benemid), allopurinol (Zyloprim), or any other antibiotics. If you have phenylketonuria, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking the chewable tablet or liquid formulas of Augmentin.

Best Antibiotics for Sinus Infections: Vantin
Vantin (cefpodoxime) falls into the third most common group of antibiotics used for the treatment of sinusitis, which is the cephalosporin family. Cephalosporins are broad-spectrum antibiotics that work by inhibiting bacteria cell wall formation, causing the wall to rupture and the cell to die.

Cefpodoxime has an 86.7% in mild cases of acute sinusitis, as well as mild or moderate cases of chronic sinusitis when previous antibiotics have not been used.

The standard prescribed dosage of Vantin for teenagers and adults is between 100 to 400 milligrams every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. The dosage for children varies depending on their age and weight.

Vantin is available in tablet form, as well as a liquid for children. Drugstore.com sells 20 200 milligram tables of Vantin for $185.13. Their price for the generic form of cefpodoxime, in the same amount and strength, is $114.03.

When taking the tablet form of Vantin, be sure to swallow it with a full glass of water and always take it with food. The liquid formula can be taken with or without food.

Common side effects of Vantin include: headache, stomach pain, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and mild diarrhea, constipation. These are not considered serious and may go away, but contact your doctor if they become bothersome. Other side effects may include: back pain, muscle stiffness, tiredness, restlessness, stuffy nose, dry mouth, unpleasant taste in your mouth, dizziness, and strange dream. Again, call your doctor if these become bothersome.

More serious side effect of Vantin include: watery or bloody diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, unusual bruising or bleeding, fast or pounding heartbeat, convulsions, feeling like you might pass out, confusion, weakness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, tightness in chest, swelling, rapid weight gain, loss of appetite, increased thirst. If you experience these or other odd reactions, call your doctor or seek medical attention.

Before taking Vantin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics (such as Ceftin, Ceclor, or Keflex). Inform your doctor of current or previous medical conditions, such as kidney disease or intestinal problems, or if you are pregnant or nursing. Make your doctor aware of any other medications you are taking, especially lithium, probenecid, cancer medications, diuretics, antiviral medications, antacids, pain medications, or other antibiotics.

Best Antibiotics for Sinus Infections: Ceftin
Ceftin (cefuroxime) is another cephalosporin antibiotic. It has an efficacy of 84.4% in mild cases of acute sinusitis, as well as mild or moderate cases of chronic sinusitis when previous antibiotics have not been used. Other common brand names for cefuroxime include Kefurox and Zinacef.

The common dosage of Ceftin for the treatment of sinus infections in adults is 250 or 500 milligrams every 12 hours. The child dosage depends on their age, weight and if they are using a tablet or liquid.

Drugstore.com sells 20 250 milligram tablets of Ceftin for $203.67 and 20 500 milligram tablets for $379.20. If you are prescribed Ceftin, ask your doctor or pharmacist if the generic version might be right for you, as it is quite a bit cheaper ($70.99 for 20 250 milligram tablets and $96.99 for 20 500 milligram tablets).

Ceftin tablets can be taken with or without food. The liquid formula of Ceftin needs to be taken with food.

Common side effects of Ceftin include nausea, stomach pain, gas, upset stomach, vomiting, mild diarrhea, cough, stuffy nose, muscle pain or stiffness, joint pain, headache, drowsiness, irritability, restlessness, mild itching, and skin rash. Some of these may go away as you continue to use the medication. If they become bothersome or you are concerned, contact your doctor.

More serious side effects of Ceftin include: watery or blood diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, unusual bleeding, blood in your urine, convulsions, confusions, weakness, jaundice, red skin rash, blistering or peeling skin, shortness of breath, swelling, sudden weight gain, difficult or painful urination or a lack of urination. If you experience these or other side effects, contact your doctor or seek medical attention.

Before taking Vantin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics (such as Ceftin, Ceclor, or Keflex). Tell your doctor about current or previous medical conditions, especially if you have diabetes, liver disease or a history of liver problems, kidney disease, a history of intestinal problems, if you are malnourished, or if you are pregnant or nursing. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including oral contraceptives, blood thinners, medications to reduce stomach acid (including over the counter antacids), diuretics, or the drug probenecid.

Best Antibiotics for Sinus Infections: Zithromax (a.k.a. Z-Pak)
Zithromax (azithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic. Macrolides, which are the second most commonly prescribed antibiotic group for the treatment of sinus infections, work by blocking protein production in bacteria cells. Other commonly prescribed macrolides for sinus infections include clarithromycin (Biaxin) and erythromycin.

Azithromycin has an efficacy of 74.8% in mild cases of acute sinusitis when other antibiotics have not been previously used. While not quite as effective as the other antibiotics already mentioned (and a few unmentioned), it has the benefit of being an option for people who are allergic to antibiotics in the penicillin, cephalosporin, and sulfa drug families.

The common dosage of Zithromax for adults with sinus infections is one tablet of 500 milligrams per day for 3 days. Dosages and formulas (tablets, capsules, liquid, injection) used for children 16 years of age and under will vary depending on age and weight.

Drugstore.com sells a Zithromax Tri-Pack (3 500 milligram pills) for $66.14. Their price for the generic version of the Tri-Pack is $44.32.

Zithromax tablets can be taken with or without food, though taking with food will reduce the chance of stomach upset. Wait to take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium for at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking the medication.

Common side effects of Zithromax include headache, stomach upset, stomach pain, nausea, mild diarrhea, dizziness. These symptoms are not considered serious, but contact your doctor if they become bothersome. Zithromax can also increase your chance of sunburn. Limit your sun exposure and do not use tanning lamps. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing if you must be out in the sun and be watchful for symptoms of sun poisoning.

More serious side effects include severe stomach or abdominal pain or cramping, abdominal tenderness, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, joint pain, breathing difficulties, skin rash, swelling of the face, mouth, neck, hands or feet. If you experience any of these symptoms, or others that concern you, contact your doctor or seek medical attention.

Before using Zithromax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin) or to ketolide antibiotics (telithromycin). Tell your doctor about your medications, especially if you are taking dofetilide (Tikosyn), nilotinib (Tasigna), pimozide (Orap), propafenone (Rythmol), tetrabenazine (Xenazine), nelfinavir (Viracept), rifampin (Rifadin), anticoagulants, or medications to control your heart rhythm. Make sure your doctor knows about current or previous medical conditions, especially if you have the autoimmune disorder myasthenia gravis, kidney or liver problems, heart problems, or if you are pregnant or nursing.

Notes on Antibiotic Treatment of Sinus Infections
While the above list contains the most effective or most commonly used antibiotics, your doctor may choose a different antibiotic to treat your sinus infection based on your medical history, allergies, recent antibiotic use history and the type of bacteria involved in your bacterial sinusitis. If you do receive one the above-mentioned antibiotics, the prescribed dosage and length of time you take the antibiotic may be different from what is listed. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to be taken anywhere from 10 days to three weeks, depending on your recent antibiotic usage and the severity of your infection.

As antibiotics and other medications are prescribed after considering several factors, it is important you never take medication prescribed for someone else, even if you have read it is good for your particular problem. Always seek the medical advice of your doctor when wanting or needing a medication.