Virtual Chembook Elmhurst College describes antibiotics as chemical substances from microorganisms, plants and animals that destroy other organisms. They add that 12 percent of prescriptions in the United States are for antibiotics. A nasal swab will indicate if the sinus infection is bacterial in nature, assisting in prescribing the best medication. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, states most sinusitis is caused by viruses. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial sinusitis only.
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones are also known as quinolones. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, cites these drugs are the most effective against bacterial sinusitis, especially in those who have received previous antibiotic therapy, as of 2010. The dosage recommendation for some quinolones is once a day for a shorter period of time than penicillins. Brand names include Tequin, Levaquin and Avelox.
Penicillins
According to UMMC, penicillins are the most prescribed antibiotics. As a bacteriocide, penicillins break down the bacterial cell walls to destroy the bacteria. Inexpensive and effective, amoxcillin is the most popular. Brand names include Amoxcil, Trimox and and Polymox. As of 2010, some bacteria have become increasingly resistant to amoxcillin, leaving health care providers looking for more effective alternatives.
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins share a commonality with penicillins. According to Virtual Chembook, they both belong to the group of beta-lactam antibiotics. Cephalosporins offer a broad spectrum approach to fighting bacterial sinusitis. That is, they are effective against a variety of different types of bacteria. Virtual Chembook estimates, as of 2010, cephalosporins have 29 percent of the antibiotic market share, making it one of the more prescribed antibiotics. Brand names include Keflex, Ceclor and Suprax.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is less expensive than amoxcillin. UMMC adds, as of 2010, certain Streptoccocal strains have become resistant to it. It warns not to use trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in patients who are allergic to sulpha drugs, as allergic reactions can be severe. Brand names include Septra, Bactrim and Cotrim.
Macrolides
Macrolides were discovered in 1952 and are a product of soil bacteria. They possess anti-inflammatory properties that may be useful in chronic sinusitis. Zithromax is a brand name and RxList states it is indicated for acute bacterial sinusitis. Taken once a day over a five-day period, the course of treatment is shorter than most antibiotics.
