Amoxicillin for Colds: Does it Really Work?

Question
Hi Andrea,
My question is: the amoxicillin 500mg.is an antibiotic that help when you have cold, like a lot of phlegms, and have nasal congestion?

Answer
Dear Lorena,

I am glad you brought up this question, because it is a very misunderstood situation.

Amoxicillin is prescribed often for BACTERIAL infections, i.e. sinus infections (sinusitis).

However, if you have a COLD, Amoxicillin isn't going to help, and taking it may do more harm than good.

Colds are viruses.  Antibiotics don't work on viruses.  In this day and age, where we want a quick cure for everything, taking an antibiotic when you have a virus is only going to make germs more resistant to the antibiotic.  So, the next time, when you really NEED an antibiotic, it is going to be harder to cure the infection.

So, if you have nasal congestion, phlegm, and the drainage is white or clear, most likely you have a cold, and it is going to be a thing you are going to have to wait out.

I hope this was of help to you.  If I didn't answer it to your satisfaction, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Best of luck to you, Lorena.

Andrea