The Concentration of Antibiotics in Sinus Secretions; Ampicillin, Cephradine and Erythromycinestolate

Abstract

The ability of different antibiotics to penetrate into the diseased maxillary sinus was investigated. Patients with acute maxillary sinusitis with secretion were given ampicillin, cephradine or erythromycinestolate. Forty-four aspirated and 155 irrigated samples were assessed. Any correlations between the concentration of the antibiotic and clinical parameters such as interval last antibiotic dose, duration of therapy, radiological sinus state, sinus ostium patency and irrigation findings were also investigated. The highest concentration was achieved with ampicillin and the lowest with cephradine. In general no correlation between the concentration of antibiotics and the clinical parameters could be demonstrated. The apparent uncertain and individual ability of antibiotics to penetrate into the diseased sinus is discussed.