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Best antibiotic for sinus infection?

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Posted 12/14/2009 11:57 AM (GMT -5)
Hi,

I know this has been covered, but there are too many responses to a search to find the UC threads...

What is the best antibiotic to take (for a sinus infection) that won't send me into a flare?

I've been traveling by plane a lot the last week, and I think my head congestion has turned into an infection.

Thanks ~

Posted 12/14/2009 12:04 PM (GMT -5)
I juts got over a sinus infection!
My new primary care doc is really sensitive to UC issues and prescribed something called Moxatag - amoxicillin extended-relase tabs. Once a day for 10 days.

We are all different - !!!!

But, I took them dinnertime each day, (he said that was fine except not to have dairy near whn taking them) took probiotics morning, early afternoon and night, and made put just fine.

Good luck!
Posted 12/14/2009 12:09 PM (GMT -5)
Z-pack worked for me! I think a lot of people on here use z-pack as their anti because its a 5 day course of pills and easy on UC.
I'm always very leery of getting antis but I make sure my dr knows about my UC and that I need something easy on the gi tract.
I'm sure you know this but of course take a good probiotic with the anti!!
Posted 12/14/2009 12:55 PM (GMT -5)
I second callalily the Zpack; it's potent but works quickly and you are done taking it within days. Take care, hope you are feeling better soon!
Posted 12/14/2009 1:17 PM (GMT -5)
Z-pack for me too!

Sue
Posted 12/14/2009 1:31 PM (GMT -5)
Z-pack (zithromax)...I've had it as high as 10 days for a sinus/chest infection. That time, the mucus in my sinuses was orange..ugh.

Just make sure you take probiotics.

The stuff works like a charm for me.

Hope you feel better soon!
q
Posted 12/14/2009 2:41 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks everyone!
Posted 12/14/2009 8:30 PM (GMT -5)

Z-pak here too - amoxicillin is what started my flare! AND probiotics, of course.

Posted 12/14/2009 11:33 PM (GMT -5)
I was too scared to use a z-pak when I got a sinus infection last month. I just waited it out with sleep, soup, neti pot, steaming, and a lot of tissues.
Posted 12/15/2009 1:48 AM (GMT -5)
I used Sudafed the last time I got a sinus infection and waited it out. Next time, I'm going to try the neti pot.
Posted 12/15/2009 2:40 AM (GMT -5)
I use a nasal irrigator pretty frequently, and usually go to my acupuncturist, but sometimes you just need the antibiotic when you get that sinus infection!
Posted 12/15/2009 11:18 AM (GMT -5)
I agree with Lonie. I am not a fan of antibiotics because I feel like doctors prescribe them far too often and for the wrong reasons but sinus infections are no fun and sometimes you need a little help to get rid of it! :)
Posted 6/26/2010 10:53 AM (GMT -5)
Moxatag (amoxicillin extended release) GAVE me colitis> I wish I never took it. Now my life is absolutely awful. I hope you found a better choice than that.
Posted 6/26/2010 12:08 PM (GMT -5)
I have been able to get rid of 2 sinus infections using the neti pot and a good saline rinse twice a day for a week. You wont believe the stuff that comes out of your nose! Its only worked when I caught it right away. Otherwise Z-pak.
Posted 6/26/2010 12:41 PM (GMT -5)
I take amoxicillin and I'm fine.
Posted 6/26/2010 12:42 PM (GMT -5)
Anyone ever request a culture for a respiratory infection? How about a culture just to verify an infection is bacterial? Wondering if it is expensive or done if you ask.

My brother lives in New Zealand and his doctor would not do a chest x-ray or prescribe for pneumonia until a culture was done. Turned out that it was viral and drugs would have done nothing. My mom was a nurse and a doctor where she used to work gave cypro out like candy to every patient in the emergency room including kids for colds. Great idea, huh?

The rinsing sounds like a good idea. I will have to give that a shot next time. I am really afraid of antibiotics with UC.
Posted 6/26/2010 12:53 PM (GMT -5)
Chronic sinusitis is caused more often by fungus, so sometimes an antibiotic won't help, if so. Olive leaf extract is a "safe" natural powerful antifungal and antibiotic.

Posted 6/26/2010 3:10 PM (GMT -5)
I have not (knock on wood) had to take antibiotics since dx but I am leary of all of them. I am allergic to penicillan and eurythromycin (sp?) so my options are already limited. If I needed antibiotics I would ask fo z-pack. I did have a cough a little while ago that sounded horrible, all congested in my chest, for days. Really bad sounding. The walk in doctor was going to rx antibiotics b/c he thought it was *maybe* bronchitis.  I made him take an x ray to confirm and NOPE, just viral. I took nothing and was fine in a couple of weeks.

Soooo, I usually wait it out, most of these sicknesses are viral.

I am interested in finding out what some of you use as a saline rinse? Whick brand?

thanks :)

Posted 6/26/2010 3:14 PM (GMT -5)
Viral infections can still produce a secondary bacterial infection. The only problem with allowing the body to fight it off after a lengthy infection is that it'll get worse.

I have no problem taking antibiotics, but would probably be leary of cipro since I've never taken it in the past...

The body wears down after fighting infection, whether it's from viral or not.

Contrary to kim123's sinus fungal infection conclusion, that's not true.
I do agree that if antibiotics don't work, then further investigation such as cultures, etc should be done. It definitely wouldn't hurt to take natural antibiotics and some immune boosters to help fight it off.

quincy
Posted 6/26/2010 3:43 PM (GMT -5)
Had it more than 7 days? Wikipedia has a 7 day rule that is pretty useful.

Not very favorable on antibiotic use either.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinusitis

I don't think I have ever had the problem for more than a couple days.
Posted 6/27/2010 12:32 PM (GMT -5)
I use the NeilMed saline rinse kit. Its so soothing. I use it for allergies too. I know when I'm having an actual infection because I will have a fever, and when I blow my nose it feels like my brains are coming out and if I bend over to pick something up off the ground then stand up I feel like my eyes are going to shoot out of my head. Saline rinses if used right away can get rid of it. I think the 7 day rule is a very good idea. I will hit up the antibiotics if I'm still suffering because it is dangerous to let it go.
Posted 6/27/2010 2:13 PM (GMT -5)

I'm only going by what the MAYO clinic says about chronic sinusitis...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/09/990910080344.htm

Posted 6/27/2010 2:27 PM (GMT -5)
Kim....in the article you posted, they're discussing chronic sinusitis and an autoimmune reaction to fungus. It doesn't say infection....and this excerpt from it states it. It's possible as well that use of corticosteroids could exacerbate the fungal connection....?


"The researchers distinguish chronic sinusitis -- sinusitis that lasts three months or longer -- from acute sinusitis, which lasts a month or less. They say that the cause of the acute condition is usually a bacterial infection. "



Totally another situation, but still valuable information.



Thanks for the article.



q
Posted 6/27/2010 2:36 PM (GMT -5)
...and I was careful NOT to say sinus infections were caused by fungus. I'm not sure if the poster has a chronic condition, or not, so I posted that info, in case. I am still leery of any antibiotics, knowing the harm they can do. I would shoot for natural antibiotics/antifungals first to see if it cleared up, then go for the big guns......

 From what I know, steroids can exacerbate fungus............

Posted 6/27/2010 3:13 PM (GMT -5)
right, we're talking about two things...but one can definitely lead to the other. Chronic sinusitis should be addressed as to make sure there are no pockets of infection....x-rays are helpful for that, and one could definitely have both happening.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to deal with things as early as possible....not waiting too long.

I don't ask the doc for meds unless I have an infection that's getting worse and not better...greenies that continue and pour out in globs are disconcerting. I once had an infection that was orangey-yellow with green...what's with that??? not blood, however. the meds helped quickly, thankfully.

I forgot to mention that using Sudafed is a good thing as well...I used to use the real stuff 60mg, then the PE, but realised the real stuff is the best after the flu I had in March. WE can't get it here unless it's store-brand or the 12 hour stuff which I won't use.

Thanks for the clarification Kim...does Olive leaf extract taste bad?

q
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