Amoxicillin for Sinus Infections: Does It Really Work?

Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed to treat sinus infections under the names Amoxil, Dispermox, or Trimox. Amixicillin is a type of penicillin that works by interfering with the production of the cell wall that surrounds the bacteria cells. As the cell walls become too thin, they burst and kill the bacteria.

For Simple Infections

• Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed for simple sinus infections and is highly effective at treating acute sinus infections. It is not prescribed when there appears to be secondary infections in the chest or throat because Amoxicillin is only effective against a limited set of bacteria and is not a broad spectrum antibiotic. Amoxicillin is also not appropriate for patients that are allergic to penicillin.

Side Effects

• There are side effects associated with Amoxicillin including diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, bleeding, allergic reactions, and easy bruising. Because side effects are common, it is important to consider whether an antibiotic is absolutely necessary for curing your sinus infection.

Other Uses

• Amoxicillin is also prescribed for other infections, and is commonly used for ear infections, throat infections, and urinary tract infections. Amoxicillin and other antibiotics are only effective at treating infections caused by bacteria, and will not help with viruses, such as the common cold.