Antibiotics For Sinus Infections

Antibiotics are drugs that have anti-bacterial properties. This means that they are drugs that can kill bacteria or prevent them from multiplying in our bodies. However, they are ineffective against viruses that cause colds and flu virus.

When the immune system of our body is healthy, he is able to repel invasions bacterial efficiently. The antibodies and white blood cells can usually destroy harmful bacteria before they can multiply enough to cause symptoms of disease. Even when symptoms appear, a healthy body is still able to fight against infection. But when our immune system is altered, the body is unable to contain the bacterial infection and more help is needed. This is where antibiotics are in.

Classes of antibiotics

The following are the most common classes of antibiotics in use today:

Penicillins *

Macrolides *

Cephalosporins *

Fluoroquinolones *

Antibiotics are classified as narrow-spectrum drugs when they work against only a few types of bacteria. Broad spectrum antibiotics, on the other hand, have an impact on many types of bacteria. But the use of broad spectrum antibiotics presents the danger of promoting antibiotic resistance. For this reason, narrow-spectrum antibiotics, which usually cost less, are prescribed to the extent possible. Broad spectrum antibiotics are not usually prescribed unless the patient's condition warrants.

Penicillins (narrow spectrum antibiotics)

Bacteria feed by absorbing nutrients from the human host and more until they are big enough to split in two. Thus, the bacteria reproduce and multiply. As they grow, they must produce more of the cell wall. Penicillin works by interfering with the cell wall of bacteria building function. The growth of bacteria may break through their cell walls. This kills the bacteria and the ends of the infection. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for sinus infections by general practitioners is Amoxicillin.

Cephalosporins (broad spectrum antibiotics)

Like penicillins, cephalosporins kill bacteria by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell wall. Ceftibuten dihydrate is a semi, third generation cephalosporins for oral administration. In addition to being an effective antibiotic for sinus infection prescribed by ENT specialists today cephalosporins are given to patients who are allergic to penicillin.

Macrolides (narrow-spectrum antibiotics)

Macrolides work by slowing or blocking the formation of proteins in bacteria. Their action is mainly bacteriostatic, meaning they are not directly destroy bacteria, but to limit them so as to increase the body's immune system to eliminate the organism. However, high doses of macrolide antibiotics can also kill bacteria. Macrolides cause very little allergy problems compared to the penicillins and cephalosporins. The most commonly prescribed were macrolides erythromycin and clarithromycin. Clarithromycin is the favorite of antibiotics for a sinus infection in this class of antibiotics prescribed by the ENT specialists.

Fluoroquinolones (broad spectrum antibiotics)

This is the last and most recent class of antibiotics. Fluoroquinolones kill bacteria by interfering with the process of replication of bacterial DNA. This is accomplished by binding and inhibiting the action of one enzyme involved in DNA replication. Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic sinus infection in this class.

What is the best antibiotic for a sinus infection?

It is a difficult question to answer, really. The best choice of antibiotic depends on many factors as follows:

1. How the drug is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream?

2. How the body eliminates the drug?

3. The nature and severity of the disease.

4. The likelihood of allergies and other serious reactions or side effects to the drug.

5. The cost of drugs.

If this is a mild sinus infection, a drug with narrow spectrum, as may be prescribed Amoxicillin. If this is a chronic infection of the sinuses, the new class of broad spectrum antibiotics such as moxifloxacin may be administered. It is sometimes difficult to assess, because what works for a May not work for another under similar conditions.

In other words, the best antibiotic for a sinus infection is that prescribed by your doctor. It is in the best position to decide, after taking into account the different factors mentioned above. However, it should also be noted that certain groups of people have very strong side effects in May of certain classes of antibiotics. Therefore, care must be taken to monitor the symptoms of an allergic reaction