Bacterial sinus infections, also called bacterial sinusitis, are generally more severe infections than viral sinus infections. According to the book "Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery," they present with nasal blockage, watery eyes, white or green thick drainage from the nose, cough and fever. Other symptoms of more severe disease include severe headaches and vision changes, which are signs of an impending emergency. While viral sinus infections resolve on their own, people with bacterial infections benefit from antibiotics to reduce the duration and severity of the infection, and to prevent the dangerous side effects of the sinusitis.
Bactrim
Bactrim is the trade name for a combination medicine of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. It kills bacteria by inhibiting their cell growth. According to Drugs.com, bactrim is one of the few oral medications that is effective against infections from a resistant bacteria called MRSA.
Augmentin
Augmentin is a combination drug that contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, according to Drugs.com. Augmentin is effective against bacteria that have developed a resistance to amoxicillin. In cases of MRSA, augmentin is not effective.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin is an effective medication is in the class of antibiotics called macrolides, and can be useful in mild cases of bacterial sinus infection. The advantage of using azithromycin is that it is a relatively safe medication and only requires a 5-day treatment course. Physicians prescribe azithromycin to patients who have a penicillin allergy.
Unasyn
Unasyn is an intravenous medication that contains ampicillin and sulbactam. Physicians prescribe it as treatment for severe sinus infections, according to the book "Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery" by Byron Bailey. Because unasyn is intravenous, patients need to stay in the hospital to receive it. Although unasyn is a powerful antibiotic, it does not have the ability to kill resistant MRSA bacteria.
References
- "Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery"; Byron Bailey; 2006
- Drugs.com: Bactrim
- Drugs.com: Augmentin
