Sinus infections, or sinusitis, occurs when the sinuses--the air-filled spaces in the skull--become blocked, allowing bacteria and germs to quickly multiply. This happens when the cilia, or small hairs in the sinuses that aid mucus removal, do not function properly; when cold and allergies cause excessive mucus leading to build-up; or when a deviated septum, nasal bone spur or nasal polyp blocks the sinus opening, according to MedlinePlus. Typical treatment for both acute and chronic sinus infections involve a regimen of antibiotics to effectively eliminate the infection.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is part of the penicillin antibiotic family and is used to treat acute cases of sinusitis. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that antibiotics are not helpful for patients with only mild-to-moderate symptoms and amoxicillin generally is not given until a week after symptoms appear. Amoxicillin is the standard, first-line treatment for acute uncomplicated bacterial sinusitis for approximately 10 to 14 days.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
For chronic sinus infections physicians prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanate, which kills a broader spectrum of bacteria. Clavulanate potassium is a form of clavulanic acid, which overcomes resistance in bacteria that secrete beta-lactamase--the compound that builds resistance to amoxicillin, according to Drugs.com. This combination antibiotic attacks bacteria on many levels to prevent proliferation while ensuring the function of amoxicillin. Both compounds are part of the penicillin group, which are the primary antibiotics for fighting a variety of infections.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole
Both trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole are antibiotics that treat different types of bacteria, which makes them effective in fighting a range of bacteria, Drugs.com says. This compound is an alternative to amoxicillin-based antibiotics but is still preferred in treating acute sinusitis, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. General dosing depends on the severity of the symptoms but usually follows the same course as amoxicillin.
