Conventional medications used to treat sinusitis may deplete certain nutrients or interfere with nutrient absorption, as well as potentially cause other adverse side effects. Most treatments focus on acute sinusitis, while chronic sinusitis is more difficult to treat and can sometimes require surgery in order to drain the sinuses, though this often is not effective in alleviating recurrent problems.6 The following is a list of common conventional medications that may be used for sinusitis:
Antibiotics – Used to fight the infection of bacteria. The use of antibiotics depletes B. bifidum, biotin, inositol, L. acidophilus, potassium, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-12, and vitamin K. Common side effects are diarrhea and yeast (Candida albicans) overgrowth in the intestines and vagina. This overgrowth can further inhibit the digestion and absorption of nutrients and cause a weakening of the immune system. One should also remember that antibiotics will only be effective in fighting bacterial sinusitis, which is the least commonly occurring form.6,13
- Amoxicillin (Augmentin®) – Also depletes potassium, potentially causing irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, fatigue, and edema (water retention).
- Cefprozil (Cefzil®)
- Co-trimoxazole (Bactrim®, Cotrim®, Septra®, Sulfatrim®) – Also depletes folic acid which can cause birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin®)
- Loracarbef (Lorabid®)12
Warning about Antibiotics: Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, will destroy all of the bacteria—both good and bad—in the intestinal tract. You should avoid antibiotics as much as possible and reserve their use for life-threatening situations only. For those times when you must take an antibiotic, you should supplement with heavy and extended use of probiotics (good bacteria) to recolonize the intestinal tract.
Pain relievers – Used to manage the pain caused by sinus pressure.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) – Depletes glutathione, which can lead to decreased hepatic detoxification and decreased immune system function.
- Aspirin (Bayer®, Ecotrin®, Bufferin®) – Depletes folic acid, iron, potassium, sodium, and vitamin C. The potential problems these depletions can cause include birth defects, anemia, fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, muscle weakness, weakened immune system, easy bruising, poor wound healing, loss of appetite, poor concentration, irregular heart beat, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) – Depletes folic acid which can cause birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.12
Decongestants and mucus thinners – Used to break up congestion.
- Guaifenesin (Robitussin®) – Specific nutrient depletions have not been documented.
- Oxymetazoline (Afrin®), nasal spray – Overuse can damage nasal tissue.
- Phenylephrine (NeoSynephrine®), nasal spray – Overuse can damage nasal tissue.
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) – Depletes folic acid which can cause birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.12
Corticosteroid nasal sprays – Used to reduce inflammation. These medications deplete calcium, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. In addition to those problems already listed above, these depletions can lead to osteoporosis, heart/blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay, cardiovascular problems, asthma, cramps, PMS, lowered immunity, reduced antioxidant protection, and hearing loss.
- Beclomethasone dipropionate
- Flunisolide (Nasalide®)
- Fluticasone (Flonase®)
- Triamcinolone (Nasacort®)
- Prednisone12
Antihistamines – May be used if sinusitis is allergy related.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) – Side effects include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, drug interactions, blurred vision, and dry mouth. In addition, regular users can become dependent on this drug. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.12
Antifungal medications – May be used if sinusitis is caused by an invasive fungus.4,7
- Diflucan® – Considered by many doctors as the best overall antifungal medication. It can be taken intravenously or by mouth. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.12
- Nizoral® – Can be administered orally or topically and is not known to deplete any nutrients. However, Nizoral does interfere with the adrenal hormones, cortisol and DHEA, which may produce feelings of weakness and fatigue.12
- Sporanox® – An oral antifungal. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.12
Additional Information about Sinusitis
- Sinusitis Overview
- Common symptoms of sinusitis
- Common causes of sinusitis
- Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for sinusitis
- Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of sinusitis
- Cited Sources and Additional Reading for sinusitis
Article ID: 241
