Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin: What you Need to Know
Jan 25, 2023Augmentin and amoxicillin are two common antibiotics prescribed to treat bacterial infections.
It's essential to know about each drug, their similarities, and differences before taking them to see which might be the best medication to treat your infection.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
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What is amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin antibiotics medication group, which kills bacteria and prevents them from growing. Some other names that amoxicillin goes by are:
Amoxil
Moxatag
Trimox
What is augmentin?
Augmentin, also from the penicillin class of drugs, is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate. Clavulanate can block a bacteria called beta-lactamase, an agent created to cause antibiotic resistance.
This antibiotic also goes by the name:
Amoclan
Augmentin XR
What infections do augmentin and amoxicillin treat?
Amoxicillin is usually prescribed for:
Upper respiratory tract infections (sinusitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis)
Ear infections
Lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and bronchitis)
Skin infections (cellulitis)
Other uses than what it's been approved for, often referred to as off-label, include:
Lyme disease
Oral infections, like periodontitis
Anthrax
Augmentin is used to treat the following conditions:
Ear infections
Sinusitis
Lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and bronchitis)
Skin infections (impetigo)
UTIs
Off-label uses of amoxicillin may include:
Oral infections, like periodontitis
Similarities between augmentin and amoxicillin
Who can be prescribed it
Both antibiotics are safe for bacterial infections in infants, children, and adults.
Active ingredient present
Amoxicillin is the active ingredient in both medications. However, augmentin contains amoxicillin and clavulanate.
Drug interactions
Augmentin and amoxicillin both have adverse effects when taken with other medicines. Consult with your healthcare provider about your current medications before starting either antibiotic.
Differences between augmentin and amoxicillin
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt, and the antibiotics no longer kill or stop their growth, making treating infections incredibly challenging. Resistance can occur naturally, but chances increase significantly with the misuse of an antibiotic.
While bacteria can become resistant to either drug, augmentin is more effective for treating antibiotic-resistant conditions that may not respond to amoxicillin.
Forms and strengths
These medications are available in oral tablets, chewable oral tablets, oral capsules, and powder for oral suspension.
Amoxicillin is available in the following dosages:
125 mg & 250 mg (chewable tablets)
250 mg & 500 mg (capsules)
500 mg & 875 mg (tablets)
125 mg/5 mL & 250 mg/5mL (oral suspension powder)
Augmentin's dosage forms include:
125 mg of clavulanate (oral tablet)
250 mg, 500 mg, and 875 mg
Also available as an extended-release oral tablet (augmentin XR)
Side effects
While both drugs may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, yeast infections, and rashes, they also have different side effects.
Other common amoxicillin side effects include:
headache
changes in taste
Possible side effects of augmentin include:
abdominal pain
gas
headache
vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)
Which medication works better for bacterial infections: augmentin or amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin and augmentin can effectively treat some of the same infections. However, augmentin is better for treating certain conditions while amoxicillin is better for others.
Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic depending on your type of infection and the bacteria responsible for it.
Final thoughts
Always take these medicines as ordered by your doctor, finish all medication even if you feel better, and never take them unless prescribed to do so. Following these steps decreases the chances of antibiotic resistance.
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