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Suggest An Alternative Medication In Place Of Azithromycin For Sinus Infection

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Posted on Tue, 23 Feb 2016
Question: Hi my name name is XXXXXXX and I went to my doctor for a sinus infection on Friday and she gave me Azithromycinbayer tablets the six pills. I am running a fever of 100.2 and we are relocating. The Z pack does not seem to work and I am experiencing sinus pain and pressure with a slight cough and laryngitis. I am also on Lisinopril and a rescue inhaler. What else would you suggest that I can take.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms aren't improving, especially in the midst of a something that requires a lot of energy.

It is very possible that you may be suffering from a vital sinusitis, in which case antibiotics will not providers help. Unless it's influenza, then there really are no specific antiviral medications that would help either--you'll have to wait for your immune system to kick it. Since you started the ZPack on Friday, if you're not feeling any better by tomorrow Monday (which should be 3 days of full treatment) you could call your physician and ask if she feels that a short course of prednisone might help with the symptoms; or, perhaps she might consider a different prescription antibiotic. Azithromycin is generally effective at treating bacterial upper respiratory/sinus infections, however it may be the case that you need a different antibiotic.

I hope you're feeling better soon & good luck with the relocating.


Dr Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 days later)
Good morning! I went to the emergency room on Sunday and the doctor there prescribed 875 mg of Amox-Clav twice a day for acute sinusitis. It is a 10 day treatment except now I have problems with persistent diarrhea. I have been on them for three days and I weigh 163 lbs. I seem to be cleared up now and my fever is gone. Doesn't 875 mg seem a bit much and should I continue the treatment?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
The dosage you are taking is certainly within normal standard prescribing parameters. Unfortunately, diarrhea is a common side effect of Augmentin (Amox-Clav). I advise to finish the course of antibiotics and treat the diarrhea with supportive measures. I am glad your sinus symptoms have resolved and you're feeling better.
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. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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Suggest An Alternative Medication In Place Of Azithromycin For Sinus Infection

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms aren't improving, especially in the midst of a something that requires a lot of energy. It is very possible that you may be suffering from a vital sinusitis, in which case antibiotics will not providers help. Unless it's influenza, then there really are no specific antiviral medications that would help either--you'll have to wait for your immune system to kick it. Since you started the ZPack on Friday, if you're not feeling any better by tomorrow Monday (which should be 3 days of full treatment) you could call your physician and ask if she feels that a short course of prednisone might help with the symptoms; or, perhaps she might consider a different prescription antibiotic. Azithromycin is generally effective at treating bacterial upper respiratory/sinus infections, however it may be the case that you need a different antibiotic. I hope you're feeling better soon & good luck with the relocating. Dr Galamaga