Colds or allergies can cause sinus infections. The sinuses are spaces in the skull that are air-filled and lined by mucus membranes. When the cilia, or tiny little hairs, that line the sinuses do not work properly, a sinus infection can occur. When colds or allergies cause too much mucus buildup, bacteria can grow and sinusitis occurs. There are several common antibiotics that treat sinus infections.
Keflex
Keflex, or cephalexin, is a first generation cephalosporin. This means that Keflex was one of the first cephalosporins developed. Keflex is recommended for the treatment of sinus infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium. Keflex is given in four daily doses of 500 mg for seven to 10 days in the treatment of sinusitis. If the patient is allergic to penicillins, Keflex should not be prescribed.There is a known cross hypersensitivity in about 10 percent of patients who are allergic to penicillin.
Ampicillin
Ampicillin is one of the many penicillins that are effective against sinusitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and staphylococcus aureus. It should be noted that serious and potentially fatal allergic reactions can occur in people who are allergic to penicillins. These reactions include swelling of the throat and tongue severe enough to occlude the airway. Ampicillin is prescribed in four daily doses of 500 mg for seven to 10 days. Women using birth control pills should use condoms while taking ampicillin as it has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of contraception. Ampicillin should be taken on an empty stomach one to two hours prior to meals.
Levafloxacin
Levofloxacin or Levaquin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Levaquin is indicated for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis. When prescribed for sinusitis, Levaquin can be dosed at 750 mg once a day for five days. Patients with kidney disease should have the dosage adjusted to avoid accumulation of the medication due to decreased renal clearance. Levaquin tablets can be taken with or without food. Fluoroquinolones including Levaquin, come with a black box warning of the potential for tendonitis or possible tendon rupture.
