Many sinus infections that are caused by bacteria will not go away with the use of over-the-counter medications and home treatments. For this reason, a doctor will often prescribe amoxicillin for a sinus infection. The antibiotic is generally taken over a period of 10 days to two weeks, during which time the medication will most likely succeed in overcoming the illness.
A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses, air-filled chambers of bone connected to the nasal passages, become inflamed, causing pressure in the head, headaches, nasal discharge, and other symptoms. If the infection is persistent and occurs with severe symptoms, it may be caused by a bacterial infection. In many cases, amoxicillin is prescribed to take care of this problem.
Amoxicillin for a sinus infection is available in the form of a pill, a liquid, or a nasal spray. Adults are generally prescribed the pill form of the antibiotic and are instructed to take a relatively high dose of the antibiotic for 10 to 14 days. In general, children and those who are unable to swallow a whole pill are given the liquid form of amoxicillin for sinus infections. If a sinus infection is considered chronic, or long-lasting, lower doses of this antibiotic may be prescribed for a longer length of time.
Many people begin to get better after only a few days of taking medication. Doctors warn, however, that if a person stops taking amoxicillin for a sinus infection before the illness is completely gone, the symptoms may resurface. Taking the antibiotic correctly will ensure that the bacterial infection is completely gone and that it will not come back.
Amoxicillin is generally chosen to treat sinus infections because it has a strong track record of improving patient health. Additionally, when taking amoxicillin, patients usually don’t suffer many side effects. Like all drugs, though, amoxicillin does carry the risk of causing adverse side effects. In general, they are very mild and may include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach.
At times, a person may not be able to take amoxicillin for a sinus infection. This may be because the patient is allergic to penicillin, which is closely related to this particular antibiotic. The bacteria that is causing the infection in a person’s sinuses may also become immune to it. If this occurs, amoxicillin will no longer be effective in getting rid of the infection. Other types of antibiotics must then be used.