What is the first-line antibiotic for treating acute bacterial sinusitis?

The first-line antibiotic for treating acute bacterial sinusitis is Amoxicillin. Acute bacterial sinusitis often arises following a viral upper respiratory infection, leading to inflammation and possible secondary bacterial infection. The typical pathogens involved include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, which are generally susceptible to Amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin is preferred due to its effectiveness against these common pathogens and its favorable side effect profile. It has a wide distribution in the respiratory tract tissues, making it highly effective for this condition. The use of Amoxicillin also aligns with clinical guidelines that recommend it as a first-line treatment option to manage uncomplicated cases of acute bacterial sinusitis.

Other options, while they may be effective in certain contexts, do not have the same level of recommendation as first-line therapy. For instance, ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that is generally reserved for more complicated infections. Doxycycline may be useful for those with penicillin allergies or specific types of infections, while azithromycin is another alternative but is not typically preferred due to resistance patterns and considerations of spectrum.