Do sinus infections need antibiotics?

Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.

What can I buy for sinus infection?

OTC decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), may relieve sinusitis symptoms by narrowing the blood vessels. This helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It may improve the flow of drainage from the sinuses. Shop for Sudafed.

What is the best OTC medicine for a sinus infection?

Over-the-counter treatments used for sinus infections may include: Nasal sprays to reduce congestion. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), such as ibuprofen (Advil ®, Motrin ®), naproxen (Aleve ®), or acetaminophen (Tylenol ®), for pain relief and/or fever.

What medications are used for a sinus infection?

The following drugs can be used to treat sinus infections; antibiotics like amoxicillin amoxicillin-clavulanate, Augmentin , azithromycin Zithromax , levofloxacin Levaquin , trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole Bactrim Septra . Nasal decongestants that contain antihistamines like: pseudoephedrine , phenylephrine , oxymetazoline (Afrin), chlorzoxazone (Forte).

What type of antibiotics get rid of sinus infections?

Some of the effective antibiotics for sinus infection treatment are penicillin, cephalosporin, macrolide, and fluoroquinolone. Sinus infection, also referred to as sinusitis, is an inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses and nasal passages.

How long to take amoxicillin for sinusitis?

Time Frame. Amoxicillin should be taken for 10 days, unless the infection persists. If the sinus infection continues, a person may have to remain on the antibiotic for another seven days, but no longer than 21 days total.