Antibiotics are used to fight infections caused by bacteria. Some of the meds in this genre inhibit bacteria from growing further or may kill them. Both actions are beneficial to human beings. However, antibiotic meds cannot cure infections caused by viruses or those triggered by fungi. Viral conditions require antiviral drugs while fungal infections need antifungals. Among antibiotic meds, amoxicillin is one of the popular offerings. But can you use amoxicillin for sinus infection? It helps to have more inputs.
Infections caused by microbes like viruses and bacteria show up through similar signs. Hence, what drug to use is decided by a qualifier practitioner. Most antibiotic meds are taken orally; some are also available as ointment, lotion, eye drops, etc. Topical forms of antibiotics can treat acne or similar skin conditions. Antibacterial meds made as eye drops or ear drops are used for treating conjunctivitis and inner ear infections, respectively.
Antibiotics are of many classes depending on how they work and based on their structure. Those that kill are called bactericides, and those that stun microbes are known as bacteriostatic meds. Broad-spectrum antibiotic meds can treat a huge range of infectious conditions. On the other hand, narrow spectrum meds work only on specific strands of the microbe. Beware of excessive use of antibiotics; this can result in bacteria turning resistant to such meds. Such resistance is viewed as a big threat to mankind, all over the world.
What is amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic drug forming part of the penicillin-genre of drugs. Physicians administer it for conditions like Urinary Tract Infections – UTIs, strep throat, inner ear infections and also, oral infections. Caregivers do not prescribe it if you are hypersensitive to meds such as penicillin. At times, it may cause fungal infections or abdominal conditions; it is hence a safe practice to take antibiotics as per your caregiver’s advice.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin was launched for use in early-1970s though it was discovered way-back in late-1950s. It is one of the popular meds for treating younger patients like children and teens. In 2023, it was ranked among top 30 highly prescribed drugs in the US. Count of prescriptions has reached 19.5 million each year. It is used for throat infections caused by streptococcal bacteria, chlamydia, pneumonia, urinary tract infections – UTI, Lyme disease, etc.
Is amoxicillin good for sinus infection?
Amoxicillin can destroy bacteria that trigger sinus infections. Though sinus infections are caused by viruses, amoxicillin is administered if a role of bacteria is suspected. Dosages are offered if signs persist for more than a week’s time. In the case of milder spells of sinusitis, dosages range from 250 mg to 500 mg, every 12 hours.
In case of acute infections or severe forms of sinusitis, dosages of 500 mg to 750 mg are prescribed every 12 hours. For younger patients – aged below three months – doses are computed based on infant’s weight. Dosages for those with renal dysfunction i.e., kidney problems – are maintained at a moderated level. Here, doses hover at 250 mg, offered once in 12 hours. Strengths of doses depend upon your renal condition and how severe is the infection.
How long to take amoxicillin for sinus infection?
Amoxicillin reaches its highest level of concentration in about 60 minutes from the time of dosing. However, you are advised to take this med for minimum 4 to 6 days for needful remedy. It is considered a safe practice to continue taking amoxicillin as per your dosage plan. Discontinuing your doses in the interim can develop resistance among microbes. This is likely to make future treatments more difficult.
Apart from amoxicillin, your caregiver may prescribe drugs belonging to genres like cephalosporines, tetracyclines, etc. Of these, tetracyclines are widely administered as a substitute for amoxicillin. These meds are considered as effective as amoxicillin in treating sinus infections. For more details on sinus infections, consult with your treating physician.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug
Education: Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Austin. Experience: 8 years of writing experience focusing on fitness, strength training, and cardiovascular health for multiple online fitness magazines and blogs.
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