Antifungal Medication for Sinus Infections

Most cases of chronic sinusitis have been linked to fungal infections. Antifungal medications sometimes play a role in treatment, depending on the nature of the infection.

Role

• Anti-fungal medications usually accompany procedures to get rid of fungus in the sinus passages, according to Dr. Hassan H. Ramadan of Emedicine.com. They might be used before or after the procedure. The length of treatment will depend on several factors, including the type of infection.

Invasive Sinusitis

• Invasive sinusitis--where the fungus invades bone and tissue--can be acute or chronic. These serious infections require surgical intervention and antifungal medications, according to the American Rhinologic Society. Common systemic antifungal treatments include amphotericin, ketoconazole and itraconazole, according to Ramadan.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

• Allergic fungal sinusitis accounts for most cases of fungal sinusitis. Treatment usually consists of removing the fungus. Systemic antifungal medications might be used in some instances as this condition usually requires long-term care to keep it from recurring.

Eosinophilic Fungal Sinusitis

• People with eosinophilic fungal sinusitis respond well to the antifungal nasal spray containing amphotericin for three to six months, according to the Asthma Center Education and Research Fund.

Chronic Granulomatous Fungal Sinusitis

• Chronic granulomatous fungal sinusitis occurs when a mass of cells accumulates in the nasal passages containing fungus. After removing the mass, doctors will administer systemic antifungal medication.