Doxycycline only slight improvement, do I need a different antibiotic?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Ive had what i thought was a cold start 2 weeks ago, after 10 days i still had really bad headaches, nasal congestion, thick green mucus and pressure around the eyes and jaw. i saw my gp who said i had sinusitis and prescribed be 7 days worth of Doxycycline.

i am on day 6 and my symptoms have eased to some extent but im still experiencing the headaches and nasal congestion. ive never had sinusitis before so im wondering if its on its way out and the antibiotics have worked or should i get another antibiotic as im still experiencing symptoms?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    hi yes typical symptoms of sinusitis , they can sometimes last upto 12 weeks , iv always found that doxy always worked for me but sometimes i did need 14 day course but if your still not 100% id go back as you may just need that extra 7 days to completely kick it , hops you soon feel better and get over it but dont be surprised if you get it again , i suffer 2-3 times a year with it now since first getting it when i was 32 4 years ago , all the best and rest up

  • Posted

    As mentioned already go back and have a chat with your doctor.

    As a broad generalisation oral antibiotics have been a waste of time for me and my many years of dealing with sinus issues. I have tried so many types, being on them for as long as six weeks at a time.

    The only thing that they seemed to have done is mess up my digestion and generally make me unwell.

    If you haven't done so already you need to consider using irrigation.

    Inflammation, irritation, infection and stasis (mucous not being able to drain) is typical of what occurs when thickened mucous becomes stuck. Irrigation will help with that.

    Best wishes

    • Posted

      Thanks, i have been irrigating for the past week and i can see a improvement (less thick green mucus). my congestion and pressure have eased but im still left with a horrible headache and heartburn which im sure is from the antibiotics.

    • Posted

      Hopefully that will continue to ease for you. Great that you are irrigating.

      I understand that antibiotics do have a very important place but but, as mentioned, certainly not in treating sinus conditions in my experience.

      Keep up with your irrigation, about three times or more a day is fine when you are suffering this way.

      Best wishes

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.