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Does Intake Of Augmentin Help In Curing Sinus Infection?

Posted on Sat, 19 Mar 2016

Question: I have taken my last dose of arzithomycin for sinus infection. Perscribed for 5 days. I feel better but the infection has not cleared as I still have shooting mpain in my maxillary sinus ( pain is much better). I was reading about Augmentin and would like to try it. Should I ask for a continue on what I am on or try Augmentin. thank you

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should take a course of Augmentin.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. You should take a course of Augmentin (amoxicillin with clavulanate) 625 mg twice a day for 5 to 7 days. This is, provided you are not sensitive to penicillin group of antibiotics, which is one of the reasons why azithromycin was prescribed for you. So please inform your doctor.

2. The dose of azithromycin at 250 mg is half the usual adult dose.

3. Most antibiotic courses require 48-72 hours to show the full effect. Since it has been 5 days, you may request a change in antibiotics.

4. Augmentin causes lose motions or skin rashes as the most common side effects. Hence you should take this medication only under strict medical supervision. Supportive medication such as anti-allergic, mucolytics, anti-inflammatory medications, decongestants, steam inhalation, and medicated gargles help ease the pain, discomfort and other symptoms.

I hope that I have answered your queries.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (4 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. I don't know if I am allergic to penicillin. I have had allergic rhinitis for most of my adult life, but have never been treated for a sinus infection. However, I am very allergic to mold and here in XXXXXXX NC it rained in December/2015 for a month and was 76 degrees. I wasn't sure what was going on until I began having gum pain. So, I'm not sure if I am allergic to penicillin and have never taken the medication before. I will speak to my doctor. I'm happy I found this website. If I may ask, "What is calvulanate"?

Note: I have been using Zyrtec Flonase as well as all the above mentioned. Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Clavulanic acid helps increase the potency of amoxicillin.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Clavulanate or clavulanic acid is a medication which is a beta lactamase enzyme inhibitor. These bacterial enzymes inactivate amoxicillin. This combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is thus more potent and effective against bacteria resistant to the penicillin group of antibiotics. Augmentin is the brand name for one such combination.

2. Your treatment for allergic rhinitis is fine. This treatment also helps tackle mold allergy.

3. Hypertonic saline nasal washes can be useful, if you can use them.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D