Key takeaways
Amoxicillin (Amoxil) and penicillin (Penicillin VK) are both penicillin antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections. Amoxicillin is used for a wide variety of infections, including ear, nose, throat, urinary tract, respiratory, and skin infections, and it is available in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. Penicillin VK is mainly used for strep infections, pneumonia, staph skin infections, and to prevent rheumatic fever or heart valve infections, available as a tablet or suspension. They are both possible first-choices for strep throat. Amoxicillin is more likely to cause diarrhea. Penicillin VK is less commonly used now due to bacterial resistance but is still a first-choice treatment for strep infections. Both should be taken as prescribed to avoid resistance, and you should inform your provider if you have a penicillin allergy, as both can cause severe allergic reactions.
