Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, are some of the most common infections affecting Americans, according to the book "Otolaryngology---Head and Neck Surgery" by Byron Bailey. Infections that last less than three months are called acute sinusitis, and those that last longer are called chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of sinus infections include runny nose, congestion, facial pain or pressure, fever, watery eyes and decreased sense of smell. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to help relieve these symptoms of sinus infection.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin drug class. Physicians often use amoxicillin as a first-line medication against sinus infections as it has been available for a long time and its side effects profile is known to be safe, according to MayoClinic.com. Over the years, many bacteria have developed resistance to amoxicillin, however.
Augmentin
Augmentin is a combination antibiotic that contains amoxicillin and clavulanate. According to Drugs.com, physicians prescribe Augmentin in more severe infections in which the bacteria that caused the sinus infection may be resistant to amoxicillin. Some bacteria, such as MRSA, however, have developed a resistance to Augmentin.
Bactrim
Bactrim is a combination antibiotic that contains trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. While physicians do not prescribe Bactrim as often as other medications for sinus infections, it is one of the few drugs that is effective against infections with resistant bacteria such as MRSA, according to Drugs.com.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin, also known as Zithromax, is in a drug class called macrolides, according to Drugs.com. Physicians prescribe azithromycin for sinus infections because of the short five-day treatment course. It is also the preferred drug to use for patients who are allergic to penicillins.
References
- "Otolaryngology---Head and Neck Surgery"; Byron Bailey; 2006
- Drugs.com: Augmentin
- Mayo Clinic: Chronic Sinusitis
- Drugs.com: Bactrim
- Drugs.com: Zithromax
