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Medications to Treat Sinus Infections in Children

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a painful condition that requires treatment with prescription medications. Sinus infections often follow a cold and often affect children who have nasal allergies.

  1. Identification

    • Symptoms of a sinus infection include low fever, facial swelling, facial pain, stuffy nose, runny nose, thick green or yellow mucus and a cough that may get worse during nighttime hours.

    Time frame

    • A sinus infection can linger on for weeks. Prescription antibiotics may need to be taken for two or three weeks in order to completely clear up the infection.

    Antibiotics

    • Antibiotics that may be used to treat a sinus infection include amoxicillin, doxycycline or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. More than one type antibiotic may be used if the first choice is not successful.

    Other medications

    • Other medications that may be prescribed include prescription decongestants and nasal corticosteroids. Over-the-counter cold medications should not be given to children without a doctor's approval. Parents may also opt to give their child Tylenol or Motrin to reduce pain and fever.

    Other treatments

    • It may also help to use a saline nose spray to clear nasal passages. Applying a warm washcloth to the face may help to ease pain. Drinking extra water or juice may help the body to drain mucus more efficiently.

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