Sinus infection (sinusitis)
Facial pain, a blocked nose and discoloured mucus, usually after a cold. Most people recover in 2–3 weeks without antibiotics.
How long does a course usually last?
When antibiotics are needed, usually a 5-day course.
Your prescriber sets the exact length for you. Finish the course you're given unless a healthcare professional tells you to stop.
Never re-use antibiotics
- Do not re-use this treatment, or take leftover or someone else's antibiotics, unless a healthcare professional has expressly told you to.
- The right antibiotic, dose and length depend on your current infection, which can be different from last time.
- Re-using antibiotics can be ineffective, cause side effects, and drives antibiotic resistance. Return leftovers to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
What the guidance says
NICE recommends no antibiotics for most sinus infections. Symptom relief — paracetamol, ibuprofen, saline sprays — is the main treatment. Antibiotics are reserved for symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement or for severe illness.
Based on NICE guidance — always follow your own prescriber's advice.
Antibiotics sometimes prescribed
When to seek help
If you are getting worse, develop a high fever, feel confused or breathless, or your symptoms are not improving as expected, contact your doctor or call NHS 111. See the warning signs page.