Acute sinusitis is commonly caused by a cold virus which doesn’t offer any cure except to use over-the-counter drugs to ease the symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. When a sinus infection is the result of bacteria, antibiotics are the most effective way to cure the infection. Antibiotics kill living bacteria throughout the body, resulting in an end to the sinusitis. While antibiotics will typically relieve symptoms within 24 to 48 hours, antibiotics need to be taken for the recommended duration by your doctor. Depending on your condition and medical history, different antibiotics may be used to treat your sinus infection.
Penicillin
Penicillin is considered a narrow-spectrum antibiotic. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are used to target specific bacteria, while broad-spectrum antibiotics are used to kill large amounts of bacteria. The most common penicillin used to treat a sinus infection is amoxicillin, according to Drugs.com. Amoxicillin is administered to children in liquid form and in oral doses for adults. The typical does is given for 10 days. The most common side effects are: nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, vaginal itch, headache, swollen tongue and thrush.
Macrolides
These antibiotics inhibit the body from making new proteins, therefore starving the bacteria. Macrolides do not kill the bacteria directly but instead work to stop it from multiplying. By restricting the growth of the bacteria, the body is given the ability to produce enough white blood cells to destroy the bacteria. If given in larger doses, this antibiotic can kill the bacteria directly but is not commonly administered at high doses for a sinus infection. Macrolides have fewer side effects than other antibiotics used to treat a sinus infection, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, making it a recommended drug for people who are sensitive to medications. The common side effects of most macrolides are: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea and constipation. It is typically prescribed for 10 days.
Cephalosporin
Cephalosporin is the same type of antibiotic as penicillin and is usually prescribed for people with an allergic reaction to amoxicillin or penicillin. Cephalosporins are considered broad-spectrum antibiotics and work by destroying bacteria by prohibiting the cell-wall of the bacteria from reproducing. One of the most powerful oral antibiotics in this class is ceftibuten dehydrate, which is commonly prescribed to people with severe sinusitis. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache and upset stomach.
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones are a new generation of antibiotics and are less commonly used to treat sinus infection. These powerful antibiotics can have serious side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting. These antibiotics are used to treat sinusitis only if the person has developed an immunity or is allergic to other antibiotics. Talk to your doctor about your options and the risks involved with taking fluoroquinolones. This medication is commonly prescribed for three to 14 days depending on the level of severity of the infection.
