The Top 5 Antibiotics for Treating Sinus Infections

A sinus infection is an inflammation of your sinuses, usually characterized by a headache, facial pain, discolored mucus, and other symptoms. It is estimated that over 31 million people in the US are affected by this condition yearly. Sometimes (but not always) a sinus infection is caused by bacteria, and will need to be treated by antibiotics. This article describes the top five antibiotics prescribed for treating sinus infections. This article does not constitute or replace medical advice. Always let your doctor or health care practitioner know about any other drugs you are taking when he or she prescribes antibiotics for you, including any herbal or over the counter medications.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) The most commonly used antibiotic for sinus infections, it is effective and has few side effects. Amoxicillin is in the penicillin family of drugs. It works by fighting bacteria in your body. Amoxicillin can interfere with your birth control pills, so be sure to let your doctor know you are taking birth control pills if he or she prescribes this drug for your sinus infection, and use an alternate form of birth control while taking it. Side effects can include a fever, sore throat, headache, and diarrhea, among others.

Doxycycline. Doxycycline works by slowing the growth of bacteria that cause the sinus infection. This is an antibiotic that should not be used if you are pregnant, and it will also make your birth control pills less effective. Please let your health care practitioner know if you are pregnant or using birth control pills if he or she prescribes this antibiotic for your sinus infection. This drug should be taken with lots of water, but not with milk or other dairy products, unless your doctor tells you to otherwise. Side effects of doxycycline include headaches, fever, loss of appetite, mild nausea, and others.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) Sulfamethoxazole works by preventing the growth of the bacteria that cause the sinus infection. Make sure you drink a lot of fluids when taking this drug, especially water. Side effects can include a rash, sore throat, or cough, among others, and you should notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. You should not take trimethoprim if you are pregnant or nursing.

Cefuroxime (Ceftin) Ceftin works by fighting bacteria in your body. This drug can make your birth control pills less effective, so please use an alternate form of birth control if your doctor prescribes this for your sinus infection. While this drug should not harm an unborn baby, you should still make sure your doctor knows you are pregnant if he or she prescribes this drug for you. Side effects include diarrhea, fever, nausea or a cough, among others.

Clarithromycin (Biaxin and Klacid MR) Clarithromycin fights bacteria that cause sinus infections in your body. It is a common drug for the treatment of many different respiratory problems. Side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, and others.

Take your medication as prescribed for your sinus infection, and make sure you discuss any concerns or questions with your health care practitioner. This is especially important if you are pregnant. The cost of these antibiotics will vary depending on your health insurance plan, so be sure to discuss the options of generics with your doctor.

Source List

http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/sinusHeadaches.cfm

http://health.yahoo.com/respiratory-medications/antibiotics-for-sinusitis/healthwise--hw59779.html

http://www.drugs.com/doxycycline.html

http://www.drugs.com/pdr/trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.html

http://www.drugs.com/ceftin.html

http://www.drugs.com/clarithromycin.html

http://www.drugs.com/amoxicillin.html