Best Antibiotic for Sinus Infection

There are many classes of antibiotics for sinus infection. Know the latest, stronger and best antibiotics in use today for acute and chronic sinus infection treatment.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They are anti-bacterial in nature.

This means that the drugs have the capability of killing the bacteria often called bactericidal or stopping the bacteria from multiplying further called bacteriostatic.

However, it should be noted that antibiotics have no effect against viral infections such as the common flu.

Because most infections are caused by bacteria, the prescribing of antibiotics for sinus infection is common practice for many doctors. The type of antibiotic used for the sinus infection treatment can depend largely on the specific type of bacterial infection the patient is suffering from.

A healthy body has a strong immune system. It is able to fight off bacterial invasions effectively. However, if our immune system is compromised, the body is unable to contain the bacterial infection and extra help in the form of antibiotics is needed.

Classes of Antibiotics

The most popular classes of antibiotics today's use are:

* Penicillins

* Macrolides

* Cephalosporins

* Fluoroquinolones

Broad-Spectrum and Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics are classified as narrow-spectrum drugs when they work against only a few types of bacteria. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, on the other hand, affect many types of bacteria.

However, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics presents the danger of promoting antibiotic resistance. Narrow -spectrum antibiotics, due to its lower cost, are prescribed whenever possible. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed when the bacteria are unresponsive to narrow-spectrum drugs.

Penicillins (Narrow-spectrum antibiotics)

Bacteria absorb nutrients from our body rather quickly. As they grow they have to make more cell wall. Penicillin works by interfering with the bacteria cell wall building function.

The growing bacteria eventually burst through their cell walls, killing the bacteria and the infection ends. The commonly prescribed antibiotic for sinus infection by general practitioners is Amoxicillin. Amoxil® is the brand name associated with this antibiotic.

Cephalosporins (Broad-spectrum antibiotics)

Cephalosporins are related to penicillin (and the other ‘cillins’) but have only a 20% chance of allergic reaction in those who are allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin. Cephalosporins also destroy bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Ceftin® is an antibiotic for sinus infection of the cephalosporin class. Ceftin® is considered to be a very solid antibiotic for treating sinus infection. As such it is often prescribed for difficult sinus infections when stronger antibiotics are called for.

Both Ceftin® and Keflex® are popular brand name cephalosporin antibiotics. The latest third generation cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration is ceftibuten dihydrate under the brand name Cedax®. This is an effective antibiotic for sinus infection prescribed by ENT specialists today .

Macrolides (Narrow-spectrum antibiotics)

Macrolides work by halting the bacteria's ability to make new proteins. This means that they do not directly destroy the bacteria but stop them from multiplying further. This allows the weakened body to produce white blood cells and antibodies in sufficient quantities to eliminate the bacteria. Large doses of Macrolides can also destroy bacteria besides limiting their ability to proliferate.

In comparison to the penicillins and cephalosporins, macrolides do not have as many side effects. Erythromycin and clarithromycin are popular macrolides. ENT specialists seem to prefer Clarithromycin for sinus infection treatment. Brand names include Biaxin® and Klacid MR®.

Fluoroquinolones (Broad-Spectrum antibiotics) This is the latest and newest class of antibiotics. By interfering with the replication process of bacterial DNA, fluoroquinolones kill bacteria (bactericidal). Avelox®, Levaquin® and Cipro® are all fluoroquinolones.

Avelox®, moxifloxacin, is the preferred antibiotic for sinus infection in this class. This class of antibiotics is not to be taken lightly as it may cause serious side effects. Always read the supplementary note which comes with the box of antibiotics.

Which is the best antibiotic for sinus infection?

The choice of the best antibiotic is dependent on many factors as follows:

1. What is cost of the drug?

2. What is nature and severity of the illness?

3. What is probability of allergies and other serious reactions or side effects to the drug?

If it is a mild sinus infection, then a narrow-spectrum drug like Amoxicillin could be prescribed. If it is a chronic case of sinus infection, then the newer class of Fluoroquinolones would be administered.

It is sometimes difficult to strike a balance because what works for one may not work for another under similar conditions.

But be mindful of the possible and at times very severe side effects of antibiotics, especially the stronger ones. You must read the supplementary notes that come with the medication.

The best antibiotic for sinus infection is probably the one that is prescribed by your physician because he is in the best position to make the decision after taking into consideration the variety of factors mentioned earlier. It should be noted that certain groups of people are very prone to sinus infection-mild, acute, chronic and recurrent sinus infection regularly.

It is inconceivable to take antibiotics regularly. Instead of relying on what we think is the best antibiotic for sinus infection, the preferred alternative is for us to strengthen the body’s immune system so that it is less susceptible to the common cold and viral influenza. At the same time, it is important to keep our sinuses clean by daily saline nasal irrigation or sinus flushes.