Augmentin For Sinus Infection: Things You Must Know About

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.

Glance At The Topic:

• Augmentin is composed using two potent antibiotics- amoxicillin and clavulanate. Both antibiotics help treat sinus infections by attacking and killing bacteria that cause and spread infection.
• Augmentin is more effective than amoxicillin alone as it also contains clavulanate which blocks proteins (enzymes) that inactive the amoxicillin.
• The Augmentin dosage may vary based on age, severity of the infection, pre-existing condition, and body weight (in children) and is generally taken for about 5 to 10 days.
• Some side effects of Augmentin may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache, skin rashes, and diarrhea.
• Alternatives of Augmentin such as doxycycline, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, amoxicillin, etc. can be helpful.
• Home remedies and preventive measures can be other options to treat and prevent sinus infections.

About Augmentin

Augmentin is an FDA-approved prescribed medication 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).

When a Common Cold Becomes Sinus Infection: Signs and Symptoms

When a common cold becomes a sinus infection (also called sinusitis), you may experience some swelling and inflammation in the sinuses (air-filled cavities on the skull and face). It occurs when fluid collects in the sinuses which causes high facial pressure and promotes the growth of bacteria. It leads to some potential symptoms that may include nasal congestion, cough, headache, fever, tooth pain, tender feeling in the face, and color change in nasal discharge. Mild symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but serious cases need prescription drugs or surgery only. Antibiotics like Augmentin help treat such a type of infection. Wondering how effective Augmentin is for sinus infection. Read on to the next section!

Augmentin For Sinus Infection: Is It An Effective Treatment?

Curious to know, "Is Augmentin good for sinus infection"? Well, Yes, Augmentin is an effective treatment for sinus infection. 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?

Augmentin is a combination antibiotic medication containing amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. It's commonly prescribed for various bacterial infections, including sinus infections.

When someone has a sinus infection caused by bacteria, Augmentin works by attacking the bacteria, preventing them from growing and spreading further. As the medication starts to take effect, you'll likely notice a gradual improvement in your symptoms.

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.

However, it's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better before you've finished all the medication. This helps ensure that all the bacteria causing the infection are completely eradicated, reducing the risk of the infection recurring or becoming resistant to antibiotics.

In most cases, Augmentin is prescribed for a duration of 7 to 14 days to fully treat the sinus infection and prevent it from coming back. It's essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and finish the entire course of medication, even if you start feeling better before you've completed it. This helps ensure that the infection is completely cleared from your system.

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.

What are The Potential Side Effects of Augmentin for Sinus Infection?

Augmentin for sinus infection 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.

What Are the Alternatives to Augmentin for Sinus Infection?

Sometimes, it gets challenging to find Augmentin due to the increased demand for medication in the market. Do not worry as there are many alternatives to augmentin for sinus infection that are available in the same composition and strength:

• doxycycline
• ciprofloxacin (cipro)and
• levofloxacin
• moxifloxacin
• amoxicillin
• clarithromycin
• clindamycin
• penicillin

What Precautions to Consider While Taking Augmentin for Sinus Infection?

Taking antibiotics like Augmentin for sinus infections 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.

What if Augmentin Doesn't Work for Sinus Infection?

Is Augmentin not working for sinus infection? No worries! You can give a try to some home remedies that can help relieve sinus. Those may include:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Consume foods that boost immunity like leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, etc.
• Apply warm compresses near the nose.
• Inhale moist air.
• Clean the sinuses using the oils.
• Use a Neti pot for sinus relief.
• Have some spicy foods.
• Take steam.

What are the Preventive Measures To Prevent Sinus Infections?

Though Augmentin for sinus infection is an effective treatment, you also need to consider some preventive measures to avoid it occurring back in the future. The following are the tips that might be helpful:

• Regularly wash your hands as you frequently touch objects like switches, doorknobs, keys, etc. which are contaminated (as touched by everyone in the house).
• Regularly clean and disinfect the living areas of the house which are commonly shared with other members.
• Try staying indoors until the symptoms of sinus infection subside.
• Do not cough in your hands or the open air.
• If you are affected by a sinus infection, make sure to keep your water bottles, food, utensils, and drinking glasses separate.

Remember that, if you have been struggling with a sinus infection for a very long time and Augmentin does not provide any relief, consult your doctor for other treatment options. Doctors may provide some alternatives to Augmentin or suggest surgery.

In a Nutshell

If your sinus infection is caused by bacteria, Augmentin 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 the Augmentin last for several days, seek medical help as soon as possible. It is important to mention that take the right dosage of medication as directed. Do not overdose or misuse it, as it can cause complications for your overall health.