Sinusitis or sinus infection is the inflammation of the air-filled cavities of the skull, also known as sinuses. According to the National Health Interview Survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11.4 percent adults in the U.S. suffered from sinusitis in 2007. Nasal congestion, facial pain and pressure, headache, and fever are the common symptoms, and viral upper-respiratory tract infections are the most common cause of sinusitis. However, if bacteria are the cause, then amoxicillin is one of the most common antibiotics used to treat the condition.
Bacteria Types
As per the Johns Hopkins Point of Care Information Technology Center, bacteria are responsible for only 0.2 to 10 percent of sinusitis cases, and severe symptoms that last for more than seven days are the major indicators for a bacterial infection. Common bacterial pathogens include Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pneumococcus, Streptococcus and some strains of Staphylococcus. Amoxicillin is the drug of choice to treat most of these infections. However, the information published by Johns Hopkins also states that 10 to 15 percent strains of Pneumococcus, 30 to 50 percent strains of H. influenzae, and more than 90 percent strains of M. catarrhalis may be resistant to amoxicillin and may need higher doses or alternate antibiotics.
Treatment
Most cases of sinusitis are treated on an outpatient basis with amoxicillin that needs to be taken orally three times a day for 10 to 14 days. The drug can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow the directions of the physician properly and complete the entire course of the treatment, even if the symptoms have gone away.
Mechanism of Action
Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that has a mechanism of action similar to that of penicillin. It acts by inhibiting the process of the cell wall synthesis in the bacteria, which in turn breaks the bacterial cell and causes cell death. However, as per the University of Michigan, certain strains of bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase that breaks the beta-lactam structure of the amoxicillin molecule, thereby rendering it ineffective.
Side Effects
Amoxicillin can cause side effects such as upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and go away with time. PubMed Health, however, recommends contacting a physician immediately if the symptoms worsen or if other symptoms such as severe skin rash, hives, seizures, or unusual bleeding or bruising develop.
Precautions
Patients who are allergic to penicillin are allergic to amoxicillin as well. Hence, it is important to talk to the physician before amoxicillin is prescribed for sinusitis. The doctor should also be informed about any other medications the patient is taking, including vitamins and other antibiotics. If the patient has kidney disease or is pregnant or breast-feeding, a different dose of amoxicillin may be required in such cases.
