What is the first-line treatment for acute bacterial sinusitis?

Amoxicillin is considered the first-line treatment for acute bacterial sinusitis due to its effectiveness against the most common pathogens responsible for the condition, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been shown to provide adequate coverage and is typically well-tolerated by patients.

This choice aligns with current clinical guidelines, which recommend amoxicillin as the initial therapy unless the patient has a history of penicillin allergy or there are specific risk factors for antibiotic resistance. In such cases, alternative antibiotics might be considered, but for uncomplicated acute bacterial sinusitis, amoxicillin remains the preferred option due to its efficacy and safety profile.

Other antibiotics like azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline may be used for specific situations or in patients who cannot take amoxicillin; however, they are not considered first-line treatments in the standard management of acute bacterial sinusitis.