Compare Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) and amoxicillin (Amoxil) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they have some key differences. Augmentin combines amoxicillin with clavulanate, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, which helps protect amoxicillin from being broken down by bacteria, making it more effective against certain infections. Amoxicillin, on the other hand, is a penicillin antibiotic that works by itself and is often used for infections like strep throat and ear infections. Augmentin is typically prescribed when infections are more severe or resistant to amoxicillin alone. Both medications can cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and rash, but Augmentin may have a higher risk of causing diarrhea. Augmentin is available in various forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspensions, while amoxicillin also comes in capsules. Both are available as generics, making them more affordable options.
- Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
- Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
Summary of Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin
Summary for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitorPrescription onlyAugmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an antibiotic medication. It contains a penicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This antibiotic treats many types of bacterial infections, like urinary tract infection (UTI), sinus infection, and ear infection, among others. It fights infections by preventing bacteria from protecting themselves from harm. This medication comes as tablets, chewable tablets, and a suspension that are taken by mouth typically two to three times daily. It's approved for use in adults and children. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.
Summary for Penicillin antibioticPrescription onlyAmoxicillin (Amoxil) is a penicillin antibiotic that's used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as sinus infections, ear infections, strep throat, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's available as oral pills, a chewable tablet, and an oral liquid. Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is well-tolerated, but possible side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and rash.
Indications of Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin
Indications for•Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)Indications for•Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)•Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)•Helicobacter pylori infection (adults only)Pros and Cons of Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin
Pros and Const for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitorPros•Treats many types of bacterial infections in children and adults•Available as a tablet, chewable tablet, and oral suspension•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Typically need to take 2 or 3 times daily•Might not be able to take this antibiotic if you've had a severe penicillin allergy•Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrheaPros and Const for Penicillin antibioticPros•Works well to treat many different bacterial infections•Can use for adults and children•Available in many forms (e.g., oral tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, liquid)•Liquid form comes in many different flavors to make it taste betterCons•Might need to take up to three times per day•Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea•Not the best option if you have severe kidney problems•Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillinCommon Side Effects of Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin
Common Side Effects forImmediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and suspension
•Diarrhea or loose stools (9%)•Nausea (3%)•Skin rash (3%)•Diarrhea (15%)•Vaginal yeast infection (3%)Augmentin ES-600 (amoxicillin / clavulanate) suspension
•Vomiting (7%)•Fever (6%)•Rash (6%)•Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 4%)•Diarrhea (4%)Common Side Effects for•Diarrhea•Nausea•Vomiting•RashWarnings of Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin
Common Side Effects for•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions•Liver problems•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection•Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - for chewable tablets and suspensionCommon Side Effects for•Severe allergic and skin reactions•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection•Development of drug-resistant bacteriaPrices with our coupons for Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin
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