Sinusitis or sinus infections is the inflammation of tissues around the nasal passage. It is triggered by allergies and colds. Mostly, sinus infections are caused by viruses. However, sometimes bacteria can also be responsible. In such cases, antibiotics like Augmentin can be helpful. 

Augmentin is the first-choice antibiotic for sinus infection and is also FDA-approved for this purpose. Read ahead to learn when and how Augmentin is used for Sinus infections and how long it takes to start working. 

Antibiotics for sinus infection: Augmentin

Antibiotics are not always needed for sinus infections, as 85 percent of cases clear on their own. For the rest, if bacteria are responsible for the sinus infection, Augmentin is the first-choice antibiotic and is FDA-approved for this purpose. 

It is a combination of drugs Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium. For treating sinus infections, Amoxicillin works to kill bacteria, while Clavulanate Potassium increases the effectiveness of Amoxicillin. Some other uses of Augmentin are the treatment of Urinary Tract Infections, Pneumonia, and skin infections. 

Learn more about the uses in detail by reading What is Augmentin used for? 

How do you know if you need antibiotics for a sinus infection

Not all sinus infections are bacterial. It is hard to distinguish bacterial and viral sinus infections as no distinct symptoms or physical examination can predict Bacterial Sinusitis.

The symptoms of Sinusitis, like headache and nasal congestion, are common for both viral and bacterial infections. Even CT scans and plain radiographs cannot confirm the cause of sinus infections. 

So, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a bacterial sinus infection is characterized by:

  • Maxillary pain or tenderness in teeth or face
  • Mucopurulent nasal discharge (thick, opaque, and colored nasal discharge) 
  • Worsening symptoms like nasal discharge, cough, and fever
  • Symptoms have lasted for seven days or more

When even watchful waiting does not help, and the infection continues with severe symptoms, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics. 

Did you know?
Only 10 percent of Sinusitis cases in adults and 30 to 50 percent of cases in children are Acute Bacterial Sinusitis. 

Augmentin dosage for sinus infection

There are two distinct Augmentin dosages for sinus infections. 500 mg/125 mg thrice a day (every eight hours) or 875 mg/125 mg twice daily (every twelve hours is recommended. Both are equally effective, with an efficacy of about 90 percent. Your doctor will prescribe the right dosage needed to treat your infection. 

How fast does Augmentin work for sinus infection

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You will start feeling better three to four days after taking antibiotics like Augmentin. However, the recommended treatment duration for sinus infection is a 10 to 14-day course. It is advised to complete the course the doctor prescribes for better recovery. 

What is the best antibiotic for sinus infection

Both Augmentin and Amoxicillin are preferred antibiotics to treat sinus infections. A doctor can consider the following aspects and decide the right antibiotic for you. 

  • Bacterial resistance to antibiotics
  • Presence of moderate to severe infection
  • Immunosuppression (loss of immune function and kidney diseases) 
  • Age more than 65 years old

Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin for sinus infection

FactorsAmoxicillinAugmentin
First-line therapyA first-choice antibiotic for sinus infectionsA first-choice antibiotic for sinus infections
FDA-approvedFDA-approved for bacterial sinus infectionFDA-approved for bacterial sinus infection
Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)preferredNot preferred for adultsPreferred for adults
Spectrum of treatmentNarrowWide
Gastrointestinal side effectsLessMore
10-day treatment estimated cost$15-17 depending upon dosage$101-114 depending upon dosage

Both Amoxicillin and Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid) are first-choice antibiotics for sinus infections. Both have similar efficacy in treating Acute Sinusitis (AS). 

However, generally, Augmentin is more effective against various types of resistant bacteria. So, a doctor may prescribe it depending on the type and severity of the infection. The IDSA also prefers Augmentin over Amoxicillin for treating adults with sinus infections. 

On the other hand, Augmentin can cause more gastrointestinal side effects like upset stomach and diarrhea. Amoxicillin is also cheaper for a ten-day treatment, costing an estimated price of $15-17, depending upon dosage. Meanwhile, Augmentin costs about $101 to $114. 

However, on trusted online pharmacies like WowRxPharmacy, you can get Augmentin 375 at much cheaper rates. 

Augmentin side effects

Augmentin can sometimes cause mild to severe side effects. Some of them may not need medical attention and may resolve on their own, while others can be rare but serious. Some of the side effects of Augmentin are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Painful intercourse
  • Redness or rash
  • Thick, white vaginal discharge with mild odor or no odor
  • Bloody or cloudy urine
  • Fever
  • Decreased urination
  • Seizure
  • Swollen legs and feet

Augmentin warnings and precautions

Augmentin is generally a safe antibiotic. However, it is not safe for all. You should avoid Augmentin if you:

  • Are allergic to Amoxicillin, Clavulanate, or Penicillin antibiotics in general
  • Have a history of or are currently having kidney or liver problems
  • Do not have a prescription
  • Have Phenylketonuria (a disorder of musty odor in urine, breath, or skin) 
Warning:
Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate) is the most common cause of drug-induced liver injuries in the US and can even cause jaundice. If you experience any discomfort from Augmentin administration, stop the treatment immediately and seek help from a doctor. 

Augmentin not working for sinus infection

If the cause of sinus infection is a virus, antibiotics will not help. However, even for bacterial infections, sometimes antibiotics may not work. This can happen due to antibiotic resistance, which develops from the overuse of antibiotics and mostly happens when you take them, even if they are not needed. 

Conclusion

Augmentin is the first-line therapy, FDA-approved, for bacterial sinus infections. It can be used if the symptoms like discharge and fever worsen and the infection does not go away on its own.

A dosage of 500 mg/125 mg every eight hours or 875 mg/125 mg every twelve hours is usually recommended for 10 to 14 days to treat sinus infections. Its efficacy remains about 90 percent. 

Another first-line antibiotic, recommended in place of Augmentin, is Amoxicillin. It is cheaper and causes less gastrointestinal side effects. However, IDSA recommends Augmentin for treating Bacterial Sinusitis in adults. It is even more effective against various resistant bacteria. 

A doctor can pick the right antibiotic for you after checking factors like bacterial resistance and severity of infection. You should not use Augmentin if you are allergic to it or have liver or kidney diseases. The medicine will also not work in case of viral sinus infection or overuse. So, it is advised only to use this medicine with a doctor’s prescription to ensure the best results and avoid complications. 

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