Best Sinus Infection Medicines: Types and Side Effects

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Table of Contents

Different Types of Antibiotics for Sinus infections

The sinuses can get infected due to bacteria. As bacteria tend to thrive and multiply more in warm, moist and dark areas, sinuses are more prone to getting infected. Hence, bacterial sinusitis can be cured with antibiotics. Doctors usually prescribe a course of one to three weeks. An important note to make here is that the prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance, thus use these medicines carefully. (Also Read: How do I tell if I have a sinus or migraine? )

Augmentin

This medicine belongs to the Penicillin group of medicines. Penicillin is known to fight off bacteria. Hence, sinus infections that develop due to bacteria can be cured with this medicine. This medicine also prevents bacteria from becoming resistant to amoxicillin.

People who are allergic to penicillin or have severe problems in the kidney or liver should avoid taking this medicine.

Amoxicillin

Similar to Augmentin, this medicine also fights off bacteria hence prescribed for various bacterial infections- sinusitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, etc. These medicines work by weakening and destroying the cell walls of the bacteria.

People who have kidney diseases, asthma or liver problems, blood clotting disorder should consult with the doctor first before taking this medicine.

Azithromycin Dose Pack

This medicine not only cures sinus infections but other infections of the lungs, throat, tonsils, skin, genitals, etc. also.

People who have had an allergic reaction, jaundice or liver problems from this medicine, should avoid taking this. Moreover, people suffering from cystic fibrosis, blood infection, weak immune system, should also avoid taking this medicine.

Prednisone

This inhibits inflammation in the body by preventing the release of certain substances. This medicine can cure various allergic disorders, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.

As this medicine is a steroid, its long term use can have a certain negative impact on the body.

Also Read: How to cure chronic sinus permanently?

Cefdinir

Cefdinir belongs to a class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. They work in a similar way to penicillins by killing off the bacteria. These medicines can treat a wide range of mild-to-moderate infections including sinusitis.

You can take this medicine as an oral capsule as well as oral powder. It is important to finish the prescribed course by the doctor or it can have fatal effects on the body.

Levofloxacin

This is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. This can be used to treat various infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, etc. These medicines inhibit the manufacture and repair of DNA and other DNA processes.

Individuals who have problems in the heart, or suffering from arthritis or high blood pressure should consult with the doctor first before taking this medicine.

Amoxil

This is a penicillin antibiotic that helps to treat various infections that can occur due to bacteria- tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, infections of the ENT, etc.

People who are allergic to any type of penicillin antibiotic should avoid this medicine.

Clarithromycin

This medicine helps to cure bacterial infections that occur in the skin and respiratory system. Skipping a dose of this medicine is not advisable as this can increase the risk of further infection. When this medicine is taken with other medicines, these can cure stomach ulcers also.

Decongestants for Sinus Infections

These medications are used to clear the mucus that gets collected in the sinuses. Decongestants are available both as nasal sprays as well as pills. These help to reduce sinusitis symptoms such as nasal congestion and hence improve clearing the sinuses. These are comparatively safer and more effective to use than other types of sinus medicines.

Some of the common over the counter decongestants are Sudafed, Dimetapp, Brethex, Brezvent, Brozine, etc.

Also Read: Foods to avoid in Sinusitis

Steroids for Sinus Infections

Systemic steroids are powerful medicines. These can help to cure nasal as well as sinus conditions. Not only sinus infections but these also cure nasal polyps. The most common type of steroids that are prescribed for sinuses is corticosteroids.

Antihistamines for Sinus Infections

Allergic reactions can also trigger sinusitis infections. Antihistamines are available in the form of spray, tablet or syrup. These help to get relief from allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal stuffiness, and mucus production. Some of the antihistamines recommended by doctor are-

Cetirizine
Clemastine
Loratadine
Desloratadine
Benadryl
Allegra
Clarinex

Nasal wash and Nasal sprays

Simple saline or nasal wash can help to remove the mucus and bacteria from the nose and sinuses. This remedy helps to reduce nasal congestion and postnasal drip temporarily. This can help to keep the nasal passage unblocked for a while, especially before using medicated nasal sprays.

Nasal sprays with a nasal wash can be very effective in keeping the nasal and sinuses clean. Some doctor-recommended nasal sprays are-

Flonase
Nasarel
Nasonex
Zetonna
Rhinocort

Common Side Effects of Sinus Medicines

All medicines have some side effects or the other. Depending on the type of medicine consumed for sinusitis infection, the side effects can vary.

Some of the side effects that people experience after consuming corticosteroids for sinus infections such as dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, stomach irritation, vision change, irregular periods, mood swings, weakness or disturbed sleeping patterns.

After taking decongestants, some side-effects that people experience are palpitations, nervousness, continuous irritation, difficulty in urinating, low appetite and nervousness.

People who have consumed antihistamines report side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, nervousness, etc.

Common side effects of antibiotics are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, hives or lightheadedness.

Can Medicines Cure Sinus infections?

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 60% to 70% of sinusitis patients can recover without antibiotics.¹

Moreover, the side effects of the medicines sometimes outweigh the benefits. In such cases, one can go for FESS surgery or Septoplasty. No matter which sinusitis you are suffering from, FESS procedure is an effective treatment option that can help to cure out the nasal congestion and blocked noses.