Amoxicillin for Sinus & Ear Infections

Amoxicillin is a popular antibiotic for treating bacterial ear and sinus infections, especially in children. It is effective most of the time and carries only relatively minor side effects.

Advantages

• Amoxicillin works around 90% of the time. It is inexpensive, tastes relatively good (which can be important in getting an unhappy child to take it) and is fairly easy on the stomach and intestines.

Course

• For most sinus and ear infections, amoxicillin will be prescribed in a seven-day course. It is important to take the drug throughout the entire course, even if you recover before the end.

Resistance

• Some bacteria that cause sinus and ear infections are resistant to amoxicillin. About 10% of the time, amoxicillin will not be effective and another antibiotic will be necessary.

Rash

• One of the most common side effects of amoxicillin use is the formation of a possibly itchy rash. This rash is not a sign of a serious allergic reaction, and while it should still be seen by a doctor, it is unlikely to be serious.

Side Effects

• The side effects of amoxicillin are similar to those of other antibiotics. This drug may cause nausea, vomiting, mood swings and fatigue. In addition, there is a risk of allergic reaction. If someone taking amoxicillin shows sudden mood changes, intense itching, sensations of fever and vomiting, he should be taken to a doctor at once.