Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Zithromax Z-Pak Be Taken For Sinus Infection?
Question: Dr. XXXX, I believe that I may have sinus infection. I have had this before. I am running a small fever usually towards the end of the day and it is bothering my ear, eye and sinus on my left side. I've had a "Z pack"??? not sure if I spelled this right, but I would like to try this to see if I can get any relief. Thank you
Brief Answer:
You may have a sinus infection but we cannot prescribe on this site.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and sorry for your symptoms.
It may be possible that you have a sinus infection. But nowadays doctors are discouraged from prescribing antibiotics unless the symptoms have been going on for a couple weeks. This is because of the development of antibiotic resistance and because most of these infections will resolve without treatment. That said, many doctors are still prescribing antibiotics after just a few days.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/21/health/antibiotics-virus-bacteria/
Zpack is the antibiotic Azithromycin. It can be used for sinus infections but it is recommended that it be reserved for more severe infections such as pneumonia and in cases where other antibiotics have not worked. Depending on the area where you live, it is likely that other antibiotics are still effective.
Since most sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics may not help much. Consider nasal irrigation with a nettipot and saline, a steroid nasal spray to decrease inflammation (such as Flonase - which you can buy without prescription), and decongestants.
However if you feel like you are getting worse (high fever, productive cough and nasal discharge) then do go in to the doctor and it is likely you will be given a prescription for an antibiotic. We have no mechanism on this site for prescribing - we only provide information.
I hope this information has been helpful. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
You may have a sinus infection but we cannot prescribe on this site.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and sorry for your symptoms.
It may be possible that you have a sinus infection. But nowadays doctors are discouraged from prescribing antibiotics unless the symptoms have been going on for a couple weeks. This is because of the development of antibiotic resistance and because most of these infections will resolve without treatment. That said, many doctors are still prescribing antibiotics after just a few days.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/21/health/antibiotics-virus-bacteria/
Zpack is the antibiotic Azithromycin. It can be used for sinus infections but it is recommended that it be reserved for more severe infections such as pneumonia and in cases where other antibiotics have not worked. Depending on the area where you live, it is likely that other antibiotics are still effective.
Since most sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics may not help much. Consider nasal irrigation with a nettipot and saline, a steroid nasal spray to decrease inflammation (such as Flonase - which you can buy without prescription), and decongestants.
However if you feel like you are getting worse (high fever, productive cough and nasal discharge) then do go in to the doctor and it is likely you will be given a prescription for an antibiotic. We have no mechanism on this site for prescribing - we only provide information.
I hope this information has been helpful. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
