What antibiotics are recommended as first-line treatments for bacterial sinusitis?

Amoxicillin or Amoxicillin-clavulanate is recognized as the first-line treatment for bacterial sinusitis due to their effectiveness against the most common pathogens associated with this condition, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. These antibiotics have a well-established safety profile and are effective in providing relief for uncomplicated cases of acute bacterial sinusitis.

Amoxicillin-clavulanate, in particular, has the added advantage of overcoming bacterial resistance that may exist against amoxicillin alone, making it a preferred option in cases where there is a higher likelihood of resistant organisms.

Other antibiotic options, while they may be effective for different conditions, are not the primary recommendations for bacterial sinusitis. For instance, doxycycline is generally considered for patients allergic to penicillin or when resistance is a concern, but it is not a first-line treatment. Ciprofloxacin is geared more towards complicated cases and specific infections and is not routinely recommended for sinusitis. Similarly, piperacillin-tazobactam is generally reserved for more severe infections requiring broad-spectrum coverage, rather than for initial treatment of uncomplicated bacterial sinusitis.