Should I take amoxicillin for sinus infection?

Amoxicillin and Augmentin are both first-choice options for treating bacterial sinus infections. Like all medications, they can cause side effects, like nausea and diarrhea.

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When should I take amoxicillin for a sinus infection?

Typically, antibiotics are needed when:
  1. Sinus infection symptoms last over a week.
  2. Symptoms worsen after starting to get better.
  3. Sinusitis symptoms are severe (high fever, skin infection or rash, extreme pain or tenderness around the eyes or nose)

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Is it worth taking antibiotics for a sinus infection?

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. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems.

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How do I know if I need antibiotics for a sinus infection?

But sometimes, antibiotics for sinus infections are needed

There are several sets of official guidelines, which are all similar. When a patient has thick, colorful nasal discharge and/or facial pressure or pain for at least 10 days, they meet criteria for antibiotic treatment.

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What is the best antibiotic for a sinus infection?

The recommended choices are amoxicillin or amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate (Augmentin) for 5 to 10 days. Doxycycline is a good alternative for people with penicillin allergy, followed by levofloxacin or moxifloxacin.

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Wellness Wednesday: Antibiotics for sinus infections?

33 related questions found

How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial or viral?

Instead, your doctor looks largely at symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.

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What clears up a sinus infection fast?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Rest. This will help your body fight infection and speed recovery.
  2. Drink fluids. Continue to drink plenty of fluids.
  3. Use a warm compress. A warm compress on your nose and forehead may help relieve the pressure in your sinuses.
  4. Moisten your sinus cavities. ...
  5. Rinse your nasal passages.

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Can I recover from a sinus infection without antibiotics?

Even if the infection becomes bacterial, 70% of the time the infection will go away within two weeks without antibiotics. In the event of severe headache, toothache, or face pain or for persisting fevers greater than 102 degrees you should be seen by your health care provider.

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What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?

Untreated sinusitis allows bacteria and other harmful pathogens to enter the bloodstream and travel all throughout the body, leading to the following potentially life-threatening conditions. Meningitis develops when infection targets the brain or spinal fluid. It requires immediate medical attention.

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Will a sinus infection go away if not treated?

You don't necessarily need to treat sinusitis — it often goes away on its own. Very rarely, untreated sinus infections can lead to life-threatening infections. This happens if bacteria or fungi spread to your brain, eyes or nearby bone.

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Is it best to let a sinus infection run its course?

Whether sinusitis is caused by bacteria or by a virus, most people get better even if they don't take antibiotics. Home treatment for sinusitis can help relieve your symptoms. Here are some things you can do: Drink plenty of fluids to thin your mucus.

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Why do doctors not prescribe antibiotics for sinus infections?

For example, scientists know viruses cause bronchitis, so health care professionals no longer use antibiotics to treat it. Likewise, over 90% of sinus infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are typically not used to treat a sinus infection unless it lasts longer than 10 days without improvement.

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Is 7 days of amoxicillin enough for sinus infection?

The typical amoxicillin dosage for a sinus infection is 500 mg every 8 hours, or 875 mg every 12 hours, taken for 5 to 10 days. This may vary based on the severity of your infection. Body weight will determine the dosage for children. You can take amoxicillin with or without food.

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Will 500mg of amoxicillin clear a sinus infection?

The established oral dose regimen for acute bacterial sinusitis in adults is an equivalent of 500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanate given every 8 hours.

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Will 5 days of amoxicillin cure sinus infection?

For adults, 5 to 7 days is enough

The IDSA guidelines still recommend children receive antibiotic treatment for 10 days to two weeks. Whether a sinus infection is bacterial or viral, decongestants and antihistamines are not helpful and may make symptoms worse, the guidelines say.

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How long does a sinus infection last without antibiotics?

About 70 percent of the time, symptoms of acute bacterial sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics. When sinusitis symptoms last seven to 10 days or more, it's a good idea to see a doctor to discuss treatment options.

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What are the stages of sinus infection?

What are the stages of sinusitis?
  • Acute – this stage lasts 4 weeks or less. Symptoms may resolve with or without medical treatment. ...
  • Subacute – this stage lasts between 4-8 weeks. Symptoms persist despite seeking medical care.
  • Chronic – this stage lasts 8 or more weeks.

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What are the symptoms of a severe sinus infection?

Other signs and symptoms include:
  • Ear pressure.
  • Headache.
  • Aching in your teeth.
  • Altered sense of smell.
  • Cough.
  • Bad breath.
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever.

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How do you know if a sinus infection is serious?

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if:

See a doctor immediately if you have the following signs or symptoms, which could indicate a serious infection: Fever. Swelling or redness around your eyes. Severe headache.

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How do I know if I need antibiotics?

As discussed, if your symptoms are caused by a virus (like a cold or flu virus), you won't need antibiotics. But if you have a sore throat due to bacteria — for instance, strep throat or bacterial tonsillitis — you will need antibiotics.

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What is the strongest natural antibiotic for sinus infection?

10 Natural Remedies for Sinus Infections
  • Oil of Oregano.
  • Grapefruit seed extract. ...
  • Vitamin C.
  • Garlic.
  • Echinacea.
  • Neti Pot. ...
  • Add Moisture. ...
  • Essential Oils. To naturally clear the sinuses, using eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil can be highly effective.

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Do sinus infections make you tired?

As your body works hard to fight off the sinus infection, you'll feel more tired than usual. Fatigue can be also be caused by head pain, a lack of adequate sleep, and difficulty breathing due to sinusitis.

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How long does the worst part of a sinus infection last?

Sinus infections can last many days. Viral sinus infections are usually the worst 3 to 6 days after they start, and then begin to get better by day 10.

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How many days should a sinus infection last?

An “acute” sinus infection lasts anywhere from ten days up to eight weeks. A “chronic” infection lasts even longer.

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How can I test for a sinus infection at home?

Self-Assessment Quiz Sinus Infections
  1. Is your sense of smell reduced or gone? ...
  2. Do you have facial pressure/pain? ...
  3. Do you have headache pain? ...
  4. Do you have congestion or a stuffy nose? ...
  5. Do you have thick, yellow-green nasal discharge? ...
  6. Do you have a low fever (99° F – 100° F)? ...
  7. Do you have bad breath?

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