Antibiotics For Sinus Infection

An antibiotic is an amalgamation of two words - 'anti' and 'bacterial'. Thus, an antibiotic is an agent that destroys bacteria. The Encarta Web Dictionary defines an antibiotic as 'a naturally produced substance that kills or inactivates bacteria, but has no effect against viruses'. Antibiotics prevent bacteria from multiplying inside the body. Antibiotics for sinus infection are very effective as a treatment.

The inbuild immunity of our body defends against the bacterial diseases. As soon as the symptoms of any illness occur, the antibodies destroy the bacteria. A healthy body is more capable of fending illness than a weak body. In the absence of a strong immune system, the body is incapable of fighting infections and needs an extra push that comes in the form of antibiotics.

Some of the common antibiotics include penicillin, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and macrolides. The bacteria in the human body feed on the nutrients, that enable them to grow, and then split. The bacteria generate more cell wall with growth. Pencillin prohibits the bacteria from building cell walls, thereby, leading to the bursting of bacteria. Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic for sinus infections.

In a similar way, cephalosporins also destroy the cell wall production by the bacteria. These are effective antibiotics for sinus infection, particulary for people who are allergic to penicillin. Macrolides do not directly kill the bacteria but contain their growth by prohibiting them from multiplying. This speeds up the work of the body's immune system. Among the class of macrolides, common antibiotics for sinus infection are erythromycin and clarithromycin.

The latest entry in the world of antibiotics is fluoroquinolones which affect the DNA replication process of the bacteria. Among this class, the most effective antibiotic is maxifloxacin.

The choice of antibiotic depends on a variety of factors including the ability of body to absorb the drug, the body's resistance to the drug, the nature of infection and cost of the drug, to say a few. The antibiotics prescribed vary from person to person in terms of their effectiveness.

Thus, the antibiotics for sinus infection need to be consumed only after a prescription by the doctor, after a detailed analysis of the severity of illness, allergic reactions and side-effects.