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Compare Mondoxyne NL vs. Zithromax

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Doxycycline monohydrate (Monodox, Oracea) and azithromycin (Zithromax) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and treat infections differently. Doxycycline monohydrate is a tetracycline antibiotic that stops bacteria from making certain proteins, while azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that also prevents bacteria from making proteins but in a different way. Doxycycline monohydrate is used for a wide range of bacterial infections, including severe acne and rosacea, and must be taken twice daily for most infections. In contrast, azithromycin is often taken once daily for a shorter duration, typically 3 to 5 days, and is available in a convenient Z-Pak form. Doxycycline monohydrate can cause tooth discoloration in children under 8 and is not safe during pregnancy, whereas azithromycin is generally considered safe during pregnancy but can cause heart rhythm problems. Both medications can cause stomach-related side effects, but doxycycline monohydrate also makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Both are available as lower-cost generic form and come in both tablet and liquid forms.

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