The Best Antibioitic for Sinus Infections

Antibiotics are a potent medications used to clear up your sinus infection by inhibiting the bacteria's cell wall growth or by disabling the bacteria's ability to produce protein needed to survive. Antibiotic medication can only be used for bacterial sinus infections, as viral sinus infections clear up on their own.

Types

• The medication prescribed to treat your sinus infection depends on the severity of the infection. Penicillins, macrolides, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones are commonly prescribed antibiotics that range from low to high in potency.

Penicillin and Cephalosporins

• Penicillins and cephalosporins are commonly prescribed for sinus infections as they disrupt the bacteria's growth of a cell wall, which eventually leads to the bacteria outgrowing the wall and bursting through. The bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall, and quickly die. Cephalosporin is stronger than penicillin, and is given if you are allergic to penicillin.

Macrolides and Fluoroquinolones

• Macrolides disable the bacteria's ability to produce protein, which is needed to continue growing. With the bacteria's growth halted, your immune system can fight the disease. Fluoroquinolones disrupt bacterial DNA replication, which kills the bacteria.

Side Effects

• Side effects of penicillin include diarrhea, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting or vaginal discharge. Cephalosporins can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea or mouth sores. Mild stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea are common side effects of macrolides. Fluoroquinolones have serious side effects that include hallucinations, mood alteration, dizziness, ruptured tendons, loss of appetite and weakness.

Dosage

• When taking antibiotics it is crucial to take the medication until you finish your prescription, as stopping your regimen can cause the bacteria to return or become resistant to the antibiotics.