In the event of an inflammatory process in the maxillary sinus and when a mucous, serous or purulent discharge appears, doctors prescribe antibacterial drugs that can stop the inflammation, destroying sources of infection in the body. Doctors usually prescribe safe and effective medications to patients, for example, Augmentin. In case of sinusitis, its effect is aimed at hitting the source of inflammation. Before taking such a drug, you should definitely see an otolaryngologist, who must confirm the diagnosis of infection and prescribe this medicine for complex treatment. In this article we will look at how to take Augmentin for sinusitis in adults and children.
Description of the drug and its composition
The drug is classified as a semi-synthetic penicillin drug of the third generation; the active substance in them is amoxicillin. The product in question also contains clavulanic acid, which enhances the effect of the drug.
The medication can cause the destruction of cells of pathogenic microflora, while introducing itself into their body. In the presence of acute or purulent sinusitis, Augmentin works as a combination drug that enhances the effect of the main ingredient on pathogenic microscopic organisms. It is produced in the form of a powder intended for the preparation of solutions and injections, as well as in the form of syrup and tablets.
Composition of the drug and therapeutic effect
For sinusitis, it is advisable to prescribe protected penicillins, which are broad-spectrum penicillin compounds. These include one of the groups of substances contained in the drug Augmentin.
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that kills a large number of pathogenic bacteria. The substance is well tolerated by both adults and infants, women during pregnancy, since it rarely causes side effects. The half-life is 2 hours, the highest concentration in the blood is 1.5 hours. These properties make this antibiotic productive, safe, and approved for a wide range of people.
The only drawback of amoxicillin is that the rapid resistance of bacteria to the antibiotic is compensated by clavulanic acid, included in the 2-component composition of the drug. The acid deactivates lactamases produced by bacteria and destroying the antibiotic, which makes Augmentin for sinusitis the most effective remedy for use.
How to take Augmentin for sinusitis
The appearance of the disease is provoked by infection. Pathogenic microbes enter the maxillary sinuses by droplets or penetrate through the blood. As a result, swelling of the mucous membrane occurs, closing the lumen. In such a situation, oxygen does not enter the sinuses. They build up pressure, which causes pain. In response to the source of infection, mucus is formed, which accumulates in the sinuses. The development of acute and chronic inflammatory processes can cause the following complications:
- The appearance of adenoids and polyps.
- Inflammation enters the upper part of the skull, as a result of which the patient may even develop infectious meningitis and other acute inflammatory pathologies.
- Decreased immunity.
- The occurrence of chronic colds.
- Getting infected by pathogens.
- Development of deformation of the nasal cavity as a result of inflammatory processes.
Symptoms can manifest as extremely unpleasant sensations, such as constant congestion, headaches and fever. Augmentin is not taken for sinusitis at all stages of treatment. The medication has an antimicrobial effect and all the necessary characteristics for antibiotics. At the stage of mucus formation in the sinuses, special means should be used to help remove congestion and restore normal respiratory function.
Augmentin is prescribed to patients only in cases where pus appears in the sinuses, which is the result of the activity of pathogenic microbes. To avoid purulent infection of bone tissue, doctors prescribe antimicrobial agents such as Augmentin, which has few side effects (when compared with other antibiotics) and helps eliminate foci of purulent inflammation in the sinuses.
To establish a diagnosis of purulent sinusitis, you will need to perform an X-ray examination and analyze nasal mucous secretions. The disease can take an acute or chronic form. Having identified the etiology of the disease, doctors prescribe the most effective medicine to act on foci of infectious inflammation. When treating sinusitis, Augmentin tablets are most often used. The duration of the course of the drug is from five to fourteen days. The medication is taken immediately before meals. Let's look at the instructions for Augmentin for sinusitis.
Side effect
Like all antibiotics for sinusitis, Augmentin can cause numerous side effects. The most frequently noted:
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- development of candidiasis of the mucous membranes and skin;
- allergic reactions in the form of rash, urticaria, itching.
Very rarely, when taking medication, you may experience:
- anaphylaxis;
- angioedema;
- headache and dizziness;
- stomatitis;
- digestive disorders;
- polymorphic erythema;
- thrombocytopenia;
- leukopenia;
- convulsions;
- colitis;
- "hairy" and black tongue.
Thus, bacterial sinusitis and the antibiotic Augmentin are an excellent combination. After all, this antibacterial agent is very effective in the fight against this insidious disease.
How to use the drug
"Augmentin" can be used in the treatment of infectious inflammation in children at any age. Children aged three months to twelve years are given a suspension. For the treatment of sinusitis (including against the background of sinusitis), high dosages of this drug are used, taking into account the baby’s age and body weight. Suspensions are prepared by diluting the active ingredient with boiled water. The medicine can be measured using a special cap.
What is the dosage of Augmentin for sinusitis?
The norm of this antibiotic for children under twelve years of age is 45 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day in two doses. Also, the medicine can be indicated at 40 milligrams per kg of body weight per day three times.
"Augmentin" for sinusitis for children over twelve years of age is prescribed one tablet 875 milligrams twice a day. The doctor may also prescribe one 500-milligram pill three times a day. It is worth saying that the frequency of administration largely depends on the release format of the product. For a complete description of dosing for children, see the instructions for this drug.
It must be emphasized that taking antibiotics must be accompanied by the use of antihistamines, which relieve swelling and prevent possible allergic reactions. Thanks to this, patients will sleep more peacefully.
If the doctor decides to carry out conservative treatment, puncture of the maxillary sinuses can be completely avoided. In this case, rinsing the nose with a solution of Furacilin is prescribed. A calcium chloride drip and vitamin injections are also prescribed. The course of therapy can last from five to fourteen days. Now let's find out what side effects can be observed when using this medication.
Tablets are prescribed to adults and adolescents weighing more than 40 kg. The prescription regimen depends on the dose. For sinusitis, 1 tablet of 875/125 mg is prescribed every 2 hours or 1 tablet of 500/125 mg 3 times a day every 8 hours. If you follow the dosage, unwanted reactions can be avoided.
About dosage and time of administration
The medicine is widely used to treat children and adults. Augmentin for sinusitis is available in several forms: tablets, injections, suspensions. The dosage depends on the age of the patient and the severity of the disease. Before you start taking the medicine, you should first read the instructions. It says that:
- For teenagers and adults with a mild course of the disease, the medicine is prescribed in tablets of 250 milligrams/125 milligrams. If the disease is complicated, then give 500 or 875 milligrams/125 milligrams of the drug. Frequency of administration: twice a day at regular intervals;
- Babies older than three months and children under 12 years of age are prescribed the drug in the form of a suspension. In such cases, the amount of medication is calculated based on the child’s weight. For every kilogram per day there are 25 milligrams. The suspension is prepared in advance by mixing the powder with boiled water. Dosage using a measuring cap or syringe.
How many days do you take Augmentin for sinusitis? The duration of antibacterial therapy ranges from 5 to 14 days. It all depends on the severity of the disease. For mild cases, it is enough to take the drug for 5 to 7 days. The medication is taken before eating.
Contraindications and drug interactions
The drug should not be used in the presence of the following pathologies and conditions:
- In case of patient intolerance to beta-lactam synthetic penicillins.
- Against the background of liver and kidney dysfunction.
- During pregnancy, excluding special cases.
- Against the background of the development of jaundice in a person.
- When infectious mononucleosis occurs.
The antibiotic for sinusitis "Augmentin" usually requires selective use with coagulant medications. Only the attending physician can select a list of medications and a treatment regimen for a systemic antibiotic.
Contraindications and side effects
Augmentin has contraindications for use. Not recommended for use when:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the composition;
- liver and kidney diseases, jaundice;
- under the age of 3 years, body weight up to 40 kg;
- phenylketonuria.
Can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. An antibiotic can increase the rate of spread of a fungal infection, so for candidiasis it is recommended to choose less strong drugs.
In case of overdose or violation of the treatment regimen, reversible leukopenia, diarrhea and nausea, and nosebleeds may occur. Due to an increase in the amount of bilirubin, the risk of developing hepatitis and jaundice increases. Signs of an allergy to the active substance of the composition are rash, hives and severe itching of the skin. To use inhalations while taking Augmentin, you must consult a doctor.
Analogues of "Augmentin"
Analogues are drugs that have similar therapeutic effects. They contain the same active substance or a substitute for its derivatives. At the same time, drugs may have various contraindications with side effects that differ from the effects of the original drug. You must remember this when purchasing substitutes in pharmacies.
In general, analogues, together with the main drug, are included in one pharmacological category of medicines. Such drugs are selected when the patient is allergic to one of the ingredients. Only the attending physician can choose a suitable replacement drug.
In addition, there are synonyms, which contain the same active substance. Such medications may differ only in cost, which is set by the manufacturer. Such medicines are also called generics. In general, they cost less, but work the same as the original drug. Analogues of the “Augmentin” in question include “Ecoclave”, “Amoxiclav”, “Flemoclav Solutab” and others. Next, we’ll find out what consumers and doctors are saying about this medicine online.
Fluoroquinolones against sinusitis in adults
Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin is well tolerated by patients without serious side effects.
A modern drug for suppressing many types of infections, it is usually well tolerated by patients without the occurrence of serious side effects. If there is inflammation in the maxillary sinuses, adult patients are most often prescribed a dosage of 200 mg of the active substance in the morning and evening. In some cases, an upward adjustment is required, and patients take 400 mg of Ofloxacin twice a day. It is better to take the medication an hour after meals. The duration of therapy is individual.
Moxifloxacin
This medication should be used only in exceptionally severe cases of sinusitis, when other medications have been ineffective. Moxifloxacin is administered intravenously once daily. The classic dosage of the drug is 400 mg. The strength of the medication is that there is no need to adjust the dose in old age. Therapy continues strictly under the supervision of a doctor for an individually selected time.
Attention! These antibiotics show good results in the treatment of sinusitis, since bacteria have not yet developed resistance to them. But in some cases, hospitalization of patients was required due to extensive allergic reactions.
Reviews of Augmentin for sinusitis
Doctors and patients speak positively about the effects of Augmentin. People call the drug an effective antibiotic that helps quickly eliminate the infectious focus of sinusitis. Consumers say that the disadvantage of this product is that very often nausea and intestinal disorders occur after taking it. Complex therapy must include probiotics to avoid dysbiosis, thrush and other undesirable consequences.
However, all antibiotics kill beneficial microflora, not just Augmentin.
Dosage for adults and children
Antibiotics for any group of patients should be taken strictly according to the instructions for use. It indicates the standard dosage of Augmentin for sinusitis.
If the disease is particularly severe, the norm may be changed. A specialist will be able to tell you how to take the drug after the examination.
For adults
In the instructions for the medicine, the dosage for adults is 500 mg twice a day or 250 mg every 8 hours. It is allowed to increase the dose for complications arising from a runny nose, chronic sinusitis and sinusitis up to 875 mg twice a day.
If the patient is prescribed injections, intravenous administration for sinusitis is 1.2 g three times a day. The maximum daily intake in adults should not exceed 7 g.
The manifestation of any painful effects in the body during the period of taking Augmentin requires immediate cessation of use of the drug.
For children
In children, the dosage of the medicine is prescribed based on body weight. Suspensions or injections of a drug solution are recommended for use.
- Babies from birth to 3 months – 30 mg per 1 kg of weight twice a day
- Children from 3 months to 12 years - depending on the degree of the disease, 125 mg or 200 mg twice a day three times a day.
It is possible to prepare the suspension at home. The powder mixes well with water at room temperature in the ratio specified in the instructions. If the prepared solution has been left unused, the bottle must be shaken before use.
The measuring cap that comes with the drug helps you measure the required amount of Augmentin. It is better to use the suspension at the beginning of a meal, if the baby is an infant - a few minutes after the start of feeding.
How many days to take Augmentin for sinusitis is calculated individually. The period should not exceed a week. It is not advisable to use Augmentin tablets for longer than 2 weeks. In this case, it is necessary to change treatment tactics.
Doctors' opinions
Doctors write in the comments that the drug acts on a wide range of anaerobic, gram-positive, aerobic and gram-negative bacteria, causing their rapid death. Thanks to its active ingredient, this medicine perfectly fights pathogenic microflora.
The disadvantage, according to consumers, is the high cost of the medication. True, a large list of analogues makes it possible to choose a cheaper drug. You can take this drug only as prescribed by a doctor.
Penicillin group of antibiotics against sinusitis
Hiconcil
The drug Hiconcil in capsule form
The drug is available in the form of drops, capsules and powder. Drops and powder should be pre-diluted according to instructions and stored only in the refrigerator. The classic regimen for using Hiconcil involves taking the medication 500 mg three times a day. In complicated cases, the amount of the substance is doubled and also taken 3 times. Hiconcil can be used to treat sinusitis for 5-12 days.
Amosin
The medication is available in small sachets for preparing a suspension before direct administration. Taking into account the severity of the disease, adults with sinusitis can take 0.5-1 g of the active ingredient. Treatment usually begins with a minimal dosage. The selected amount of the active substance should be taken three times a day, an hour before meals, maintaining equal intervals between doses. The duration of treatment is no more than 12 days.
Amoxicar
Amoxicar drug
A Polish-made drug of the latest generation, it shows quick results when using smaller doses of the active ingredient. In the classic course of the disease, patients are prescribed 250 mg of the main substance 3 times before meals. In severe or complicated cases, the amount of Amoxicar can be doubled, but only with the permission of the attending physician. The maximum dosage of 6 g, divided into two doses, is used in exceptional cases of acute purulent infection with widespread spread. Therapy can last up to two weeks.
Attention! This group of medications is among the safest for the treatment of sinusitis, but due to many years of use, many bacteria have been able to develop resistance to them.
