When a sinus infection develops it causes the sinus cavity to become inflamed and swollen, causing sinus pressure, nasal discharge and congestion, according to the Mayo Clinic. A sinus infection may be the result of a bacterial or viral infection from the common cold, an allergic reaction or other irritants such as pollution. While acute sinusitis (lasting less than four weeks) is commonly treated with over-the-counter drugs, more serious sinus infections may require other drugs such as antibiotics or a corticosteroid nasal spray. A person with a sinus infection lasting longer than four weeks should remain under a doctor's monitoring to prevent serious complications.
OTC Drugs
The most common OTC drugs used to treat sinus infections are decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers. A decongestant works by restricting blood flow to the sinus cavity, reducing the swelling and allowing proper drainage and air flow through the sinus cavity. Antihistamines are used to treat sinus infections that are the result of an allergic reaction. A person suffering from severe or seasonal allergies may develop sinusitis due to excessive nasal congestion. An antihistamine maintains the proper levels of histamine in the body, reducing allergic reactions in the nasal passages. OTC pain relievers are used for sinus pressure pain and sinus headaches.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat a sinus infection when it is the result of bacteria. Antibiotics are not effective on viral or fungal sinus infections and may only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. Antibiotics are designed to either kill or restrict the growth of bacteria in the body, killing beneficial and harmful bacteria. The most common antibiotics used to treat a sinus infection are amoxicillin, doxycycline or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, according to the Mayo Clinic. If a bacterial sinus infection persists after a round of antibiotics, more aggressive antibiotic drugs may be used.
Corticosteroid Nasal Spray
Corticosteroid nasal sprays are a part of the steroid family. Corticosteroids require a doctor's prescription and are sprayed and inhaled into the nostrils. This type of medication is commonly used to treat severe allergies, nasal polyps or chronic sinus issues. A person using a corticosteroid nasal spray should blow her nose, spray toward the eye in the nostril and breathe deeply through the nostril as it is sprayed. Corticosteroids are the most effective when used over a period of time consistently. According to Drugs.com, most people notice improvement within one week while others may not see a significant improvement until using it for up to three weeks.
