Augmentin For Sinus Infection: Dosage, Side Effects And Precautions

Sinus infection (sinusitis) can impact anyone. People who are more prone to seasonal allergies are likely to suffer from sinusitis. The symptoms can include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and facial pressure. Most cases of sinus infections are due to viruses but bacteria can also be the reason. If it is a bacterial infection, doctors prescribe antibiotics such as Augmentin for sinus infection. How effective Augmentin is for sinus treatment? Well, let's read the article directly to have a comprehensive guide on its value in treating sinusitis along with the right dosages to take and potential side effects, if any! With this, we will also discuss some home remedies and preventive measures to prevent it.

About Augmentin

Augmentin is an FDA-approved prescription medicine for infection treatment, including sinus infection. It is formulated using two antibiotics- amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Here, amoxicillin fights off infection-causing bacteria and kills them while clavulanate potassium assists the amoxicillin to work effectively against those bacteria. It is available in chewable tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral suspension forms and different strengths. This medication is only taken orally (by mouth).

Augmentin For Sinus Infection: Is It An Effective Treatment?

Augmentin is an effective treatment for sinus infections. Its effectiveness depends on its formulation. As mentioned above, Augmentin is a combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate, both drugs play a specific role in treating sinusitis. Amoxicillin appropriately gets absorbed by the body that's why it easily attacks the sinus bacteria. It helps stop the infection-causing bacteria from forming a cell wall. Preventing the cell wall from developing reduces the chances of protection and structural support for those bacteria and in turn, they die.

However, some bacteria causing sinus infection consist of beta-lactamases, types of proteins (enzymes). These proteins can make Amoxicillin ineffective in killing these bacteria by making Amoxicillin inactive. Here, Clavulanate which is a beta-lactamase inhibitor comes into action! It blocks the beta-lactamases, facilitating the role of Amoxicillin in killing the bacteria that cause infection. Clavulanate alone can not fight off bacteria but when combined with Amoxicillin, it can benefit many infection treatments.

How Fast Does Augmentin Work for Sinus Infection?

The timeframe for experiencing relief can vary from person to person. Some individuals might begin to feel better within a couple of days of starting Augmentin, while for others, it might take a bit longer. Generally, you can expect to see noticeable improvement within 3 to 4 days after starting the medication.

After taking Augmentin, it typically takes about 1.5 hours for the medication to reach its peak concentration in your bloodstream. This means that the antibiotic is at its highest level in your body, effectively combating the bacteria causing the infection.

What is The Right Augmentin Dosage for Sinus Infection?

The Augmentin dosage for sinus infection will vary on certain factors and those may include:

• the severity of sinus infection.

• the age

• the form of medication

• certain pre-existing medical conditions

• body weight (in children)

For adults-

As per research, for adults, the standard dosage of Augmentin for sinus infection is 500 milligrams tablets in a time interval of 8-12 hours. And, Augmentin 875 dosage for sinus infection can be taken every 12 hours. The treatment for both dosages includes 5-10 days. If the case is serious, doctors might suggest some higher doses of Augmentin. A person finding it difficult to swallow tablets can prefer taking oral suspension only after discussing it with healthcare professionals.

For children-

The dosage of Augmentin for children usually relies on their body weight. Kids with 40 kg weight or above can take the dosage recommended for adults which we have mentioned in the above section. But, for infants aged 12 weeks or over, doctors recommend oral suspension of about 125 mg for every 12 hours.

Note: Always take Augmentin with food as this will allow the body to effortlessly absorb the medication and prevent the chances of side effects.

Potential Side Effects of Augmentin for Sinus Infection

Augmentin is relatively safe but as it is formulated using certain chemical compounds, a person might experience some potential side effects. Those may include:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Gas

• Skin rash or itching

• Indigestion

• Irregular heartbeat

• Vaginal yeast infection

• headache

• Dry mouth

• Restlessness

• abdominal discomfort

• Difficulty sleeping

• Swollen and inflamed mouth

• The burning sensation inside the stomach or chest

• Tooth discoloration

• Soreness, redness, or swelling of the tongue

If any of these side effects last for many days or weeks or they get worse, consult the doctor.

Alternatives to Augmentin

There are many alternatives to augmentin for sinus infection that are available in the same composition and strength:

• doxycycline

• ciprofloxacin (cipro)

• levofloxacin

• moxifloxacin

• amoxicillin

• clarithromycin

• clindamycin

• penicillin

Precautions to Consider While Taking Augmentin

Taking antibiotics like Augmentin is safe only after consulting the doctors. After a complete examination, healthcare providers prescribe the right dosage of medication. So, here are a few things that you need to discuss with the doctors before taking the medication. They include:

• Certain medications you might be taking as they can interact with Augmentin and worsen the related symptoms. Those drugs may include Exenatide, Chloroquine, Amoxicillin, Magnesium citrate, Warfarin, vitamin D3, Bupropion, or Tramadol.

• Some medical conditions such as kidney problems, heart diseases, muscle issues, liver problems, or any viral infection.

• If you are struggling with phenylketonuria (increased buildup of amino acids in the body).

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Amoxicillin and Clavulanate in Augmentin can travel to breast milk and may harm the breastfeeding infant.

• If you have leukemia or HIV/AIDS.

• If you're living with ulcerative colitis (ulcers and inflammation in the large intestine's inner lining).
• Whether you are on any blood thinning medications.

In a Nutshell

If your sinus infection is caused by bacteria, Augmentin for sinus infection is the best medication prescribed by doctors. Though it is well-tolerated, you might experience some side effects. So, if any of the side effects after taking Augmentin last for several days, seek medical help as soon as possible. It is important to mention that you should take the right dosage of medication as directed. Do not overdose or misuse it, as it can cause complications for your overall health.

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