A chronic sinus infection, also known as chronic sinusitis, is defined as a sinus infection lasting at least three months, according to the book "Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery" by Byron Bailey. The symptoms of a chronic sinus infection include runny nose, congestion, facial pressure or pain, headaches, cough and loss of sense of smell. It is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses in the United States and affects people of all ages.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin, an antibiotic in the same class as penicillin, is a good first line treatment against sinus infections. Physicians use amoxicillin because of its relatively safe side effects profile. According to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, many bacteria have developed resistance to amoxicillin and so other drugs should be used when resistance is suspected.
Augmentin
Augmentin is a combination antibiotic containing amoxicillin and clavulanate, according to Drugs.com. It works well on many bacteria that cause chronic sinus infections that are resistant to amoxicillin. A type of bacteria called MRSA, however, has developed resistance to both amoxicillin and Augmentin, and so physicians should not use either medication when they suspect that bacteria to be the cause of the infection.
Bactrim
According to Drugs.com, bactrim is a combination antibiotic containing trimethoprim and sulfamethaxazole. Physicians prescribe bactrim for cases of chronic sinus infections that are caused by a resistant bacteria called MRSA, as bactrim is effective against that bacteria.
Levofloxacin
Levofloxacin, also known as Levoquin, is an antibiotic medication in the group of antibiotics called quinolones. Levofloxacin is a powerful antibiotic and physicians can use it in patients who are allergic to penicillin. Levofloxacin is contraindicated in children due to possible side effects, according to Drugs.com.
References
- "Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery"; Byron Bailey; 2006
- Drugs.com: Augmentin
- Mayo Clinic: Chronic Sinusitis
- Drugs.com: Bactrim
- Drugs.com: Levofloxacin
