How long does a sinus infection last?
Trusted sinus infection treatments and hassle-free online care
No appointments required
$19 consult—no membership required
Medical review within 3 hours
If you’re suffering from a sinus infection, Dr. B can help you get the treatment you need to start feeling better—without leaving home. Start an online consultation with a licensed healthcare provider today.
How Dr. B treats sinus infection
1
Medical consultationTell us about your condition in a streamlined AI-powered online consultation.
2
Provider reviewA medical provider will review your information independently or during a brief video visit and prescribe treatment if appropriate.
3
Get your medicationPick up and pay for the medication at the pharmacy of your choice. Or, get it delivered.
How much will it cost?
Dr. B offers online consultations starting at $19, which is lower than most copays. Depending on your state’s telehealth laws—or if your condition and treatment require it—you might be invited for a brief video review with a provider at a slightly higher cost. If prescription a sinus infection treatment is appropriate, your medication price will depend on whether you use insurance and where you choose to fill it. Dr. B offers a discount card when applicable to help get you the lowest prices for your medications.
* Prices shown for Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg (14 tablets), a popular treatment for sinus infection, using a drug discount card. Prices may be lower with insurance.
$19
Online visit with Dr. B
+
Starting at
$12.33
$14.48
$25.11
$24.13
Medication*
Sinus infection treatments at Dr. B
Dr. B offers 5 treatments for sinus infection. We’ve highlighted a few of our most popular and affordable options below, but you can choose other brand and generic medications if desired.
Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate
Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate is a penicillin-type antibiotic. It treats many different kinds of bacterial infections, including sinus infections.
Prescription length:
7 days
Application:
1 tablet (875/125 mg) 2 times a day
Medication prices start at
$14.68
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that comes as a tablet, capsule or delayed-release tablet. Doxycycline sinus infection medication works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Prescription length:
7 days
Application:
100 mg 2 times a day, usually taken as a capsule or tablet
Medication prices start at
$12.33
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)Cefpodoxime
Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Prescription length:
7 days
Application:
200 mg by mouth, 2 times a day, usually taken as a tablet
Medication prices start at
$25.68
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate
Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate is a penicillin-type antibiotic. It treats many different kinds of bacterial infections, including sinus infections.
Prescription length:
7 days
Application:
1 tablet (875/125 mg) 2 times a day
Medication prices start at
$14.68
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that comes as a tablet, capsule or delayed-release tablet. Doxycycline sinus infection medication works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Prescription length:
7 days
Application:
100 mg 2 times a day, usually taken as a capsule or tablet
Medication prices start at
$12.33
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)Cefpodoxime
Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Prescription length:
7 days
Application:
200 mg by mouth, 2 times a day, usually taken as a tablet
Medication prices start at
$25.68
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)More Sinus Infection Prescription Treatments
Looking for a different medication? Here are some options.
Not sure which treatment may be best for you?
Take a confidential online medical consultation to learn more.
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Sinus Infection Questions
About Sinus Infection
What is a sinus infection?
The sinuses are four open spaces in your head that make mucus. A sinus infection (or sinusitis) occurs when these spaces become inflamed.
Bacterial infections, viral infections and allergies can cause sinus cavity swelling. This can lead to blockages and fluid in the sinuses. As a result, you might feel pain or pressure in your face along with a runny nose or other symptoms.
What causes sinus infections?
Most sinus infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. Bacterial sinus infections can be treated with medications like antibiotics and decongestants. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days—or if they get better and then suddenly get worse than the original symptoms—you might have a bacterial sinus infection.
Other types of sinus infections are caused by allergies. There aren’t any medications to cure these types of sinus infections. But over-the-counter allergy medications and pain relievers can help with related symptoms like pain and congestion.
What are the prescription treatments available for sinus infections?
Antibiotics can help treat bacterial sinus infections. Common sinusitis infection prescription treatments include Doxycycline, Cefpodoxime and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (brand name: Augmentin). Each type of antibiotic works slightly differently to stop bacteria from growing and spreading in the sinuses.
How long does a sinus infection last?
Sinus infections can last from a few weeks to several months. This timing depends on the type of sinus infection and whether it’s caused by bacteria, a virus or allergies.
How are sinus infection treatments usually taken?
Antibiotics for sinus infections are usually taken by mouth as a tablet, capsule or delayed-release tablet. Most sinus infection pills are taken for about a week. But ask your medical provider about your specific prescription.
What can I do at home to treat my sinus infection?
Since many sinus infections are caused by viruses, prescription antibiotics won’t help. So many people can care for their sinus infections at home. If you’ve had symptoms for less than a week, you can try at-home treatments, including:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants
- OTC cold and allergy medications
- Saline nasal rinses (or a neti pot)
- Drinking lots of fluids
If your sinus infection won't go away, your symptoms last longer than 10 days, or you have any other concerns, talk to a medical provider.
Seek emergency help if you experience severe symptoms. These include vision changes, a very high fever (over 103° F), mental confusion, seizures or a stiff neck.
Do I have a sinus infection or…?
Symptoms of a sinus infection can be confused with allergies, the common cold or Covid-19. If you suspect that you may have chronic sinusitis versus another health condition, here are some clues about what might be causing your symptoms:
- Allergies: Allergies can include congestion, a runny nose, and mucus. But it does not usually include facial pain. Facial pain is a hallmark of a sinus infection.
- Colds: Colds are caused by viruses. Cold symptoms usually build gradually, peak, and slowly disappear over a few days to a week.
- Covid-19: Covid-19 can include all sinus infection symptoms, including nasal congestion and feeling tired. But it usually also includes shortness of breath and fever.
Allergies, colds and Covid-19 can all cause a sinus infection to develop. So you can have more than one of these conditions at the same time. To find out what’s causing your symptoms, talk to a medical provider or sinus infection doctor.
What are some common side effects of sinus infection medications?
Common side effects of sinus infection medicines may include an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Taking your medication with food can help reduce that likelihood. Talk to your provider if you experience any serious side effects. These include vomiting that won’t stop, changes in mental state, trouble breathing or vision changes.
How much does sinus infection treatment cost?
An online medical consultation costs $19, which is lower than most doctor copays. Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill the prescription. Your medication price will vary depending on whether you pay with insurance coverage or out-of-pocket, and whether the drug is a brand-name or generic.
How do refills work?
We’ll email a reminder to take another consultation when it’s time to refill your prescription.
