Effective Medications for Children's Sinus Infections: A Guide

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a painful condition that requires treatment with prescription medications. Sinus infections often follow a cold and often affect children who have nasal allergies.

Identification

• Symptoms of a sinus infection include low fever, facial swelling, facial pain, stuffy nose, runny nose, thick green or yellow mucus and a cough that may get worse during nighttime hours.

Time frame

• A sinus infection can linger on for weeks. Prescription antibiotics may need to be taken for two or three weeks in order to completely clear up the infection.

Antibiotics

• Antibiotics that may be used to treat a sinus infection include amoxicillin, doxycycline or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. More than one type antibiotic may be used if the first choice is not successful.

Other medications

• Other medications that may be prescribed include prescription decongestants and nasal corticosteroids. Over-the-counter cold medications should not be given to children without a doctor's approval. Parents may also opt to give their child Tylenol or Motrin to reduce pain and fever.

Other treatments

• It may also help to use a saline nose spray to clear nasal passages. Applying a warm washcloth to the face may help to ease pain. Drinking extra water or juice may help the body to drain mucus more efficiently.