What are examples of antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection?

Examples of antibiotics used to treat an upper respiratory infection include Augmentin, Keflex, Ceftin, Zithromax, penicillin VK, Septra and Bactrim, according to Drugs.com. The type of antibiotic used for a URI is determined by a patient's medication allergies, if any, and whether the patient has additional illnesses.

The Cleveland Clinic states that most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics only treat bacteria, so using an antibiotic usually causes no change in symptoms. However, if an upper respiratory infection leads to a sinus infection, which is bacterial in nature, then taking an antibiotic such as Augmentin or Ceftin treats the bacterial infection in the sinuses.