I have a sinus infection. How soon til I notice a difference from the antibiotics?

Question

Just started them yesterday, & I feel worse today.
Can I take a Vitamin C supplement with it, or will they cancel each other out?

Answer 1

get well soon!!!

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/sinusitis-allergies?page=3

Chronic sinusitis is often difficult to treat successfully, as symptoms persist even after prolonged courses of antibiotics. In general, the treatment of chronic sinusitis, such as with antibiotics and decongestants, is similar to treatment of acute sinusitis. However, the role of bacterial infections, and hence the usefulness of antibiotics in treating chronic sinusitis, is debated. Steroid nasal sprays are commonly used to reduce inflammation in chronic sinusitis. Although these nasal sprays are occasionally used for long-term treatment for patients with chronic sinusitis, the long-term safety of these medications, especially in children, is not fully understood, and the benefits and risks need to be balanced. For patients with severe chronic sinusitis, a doctor may prescribe oral steroids, such as prednisone. Because oral steroids can have significant side effects, they are prescribed only when other medications have not been effective.

Although sinus infection cannot be cured by home remedies, people can use them to lessen their discomfort. Inhaling steam from a vaporizer or a hot cup of water can soothe inflamed sinus cavities. Another treatment is saline nasal spray, which can be purchased in a pharmacy. A hot water bottle; hot, wet compresses; or an electric heating pad applied over the inflamed area also can be comforting.

Answer 2

Usually you'll notice an improvement in 2-3 days, depending on the antibiotic. It'll take a full week or so before you feel 100% better. Again - depending on the antibiotic.

I get relief from taking a warm shower - seems to loosen things up a little. The last time I had a sinus infection, the doctor also recommended I take allergy medicine - Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, etc. as a decongestant in addition to the antibiotic. I can't say that it helped a ton, but the idea made sense.

Feel better soon!

Answer 3

Antibiotics and vitamin C work completely differently so you shouldn't have any problem taking them together.

As for the antibiotics, you should start feeling a change within 24-48 hours. However, with a sinus infection, this typically means a day or two of "draining" sinuses, which can make you feel worse. During this time you will probably be blowing your nose almost constantly, but you should see a decrease in any fever. You need to get through the draining to get better though, so stock up on soft kleenex and some lotion for your nose.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

Answer 4

You can take vitamin C, and the antibiotics will start working within 2-3 days sometimes even a week, and it will take about 2-3 weeks for the infection to fully clear itself even when you're off the antibiotics. It's normal to feel worse the next day, but all in all the antibiotics should work for you.

Try to rest as much as possible, basically be a couch monster until you're feeling better.

Answer 5

Hi Sawyer,

You should notice a response in about one or two days. This may vary depending on the antibiotic and your overall health. Vitamin C should do no harm, and is good for you in appropriate dosages.

You may find that your doctor has to switch antibiotics in order to cause a cure. You should not be alarmed by this.

Make certain that you avoid over the counter nose drops, as in the long run, this will only make things worse. If you have severe inflammation, there are steroidal nose sprays that are very effective. Your doctor has to write a prescription for the steroidal sprays. Your doctor might wait until your infection is cleared before he prescribes these sprays, if they are needed (noninflammatory steroids can depress the immune system).

I hope this helps. Take care,

James :-)

Answer 6

2-4 days. I am a sinus pro, get sinus infections at least twice a year. Try some Saline Nose Spray to help it along. You can use as much SALINE Spray as you like. Do not use the medicated nose sprays, it only aggravates it. The Saline promotes cleansing and drainage. Good luck! Hope you feel better!

Also, they sell a sinus wash that is good as well. It is a high powered spray that flushes the nose. It can sting a bit, try the saline first.

Answer 7

You should start to feel better with 2 - 3 days.
Make sure you take the full course of antibiotics even if you do start to feel better or the infection can come back.
Vitamin C definately can be taken with it as can paracetamol tablets for any pain.

Answer 8

I get those all the time. I usually feel better within 2 or 3 days, if it was a bacterial one. If it is a viral one, The antibiotics will not work.

I also take Mucinex to drain my sinuses. Good stuff.


Vitamin C should be fine.

Answer 9

i too get alot of sinus infections it takes like 2 days for the antibiotics to kick in but once it starts getting better keep taking the pills , hope you get better soon i know how annoying it can be .

Answer 10

Hi Sawyer,
I recommend a saline nasal spray, such as Ocean Spray, which you can get at your local pharmacy. It will help dislodge the buildup and pressure and help you feel better.
Check with the Pharmacist if Vitamin C can be taken with your antibiotic. Sometimes citrus interferes with the effectiveness of the medicine.