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Compare Augmentin vs. Azithromycin

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

Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
Azithromycin (Zithromax)
Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Summary of Augmentin vs. Azithromycin

Summary for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitor
Prescription only

Augmentin (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 Macrolide antibiotic
Prescription only

Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat many types of infections in children and adults, including strep throat, sinus infection, and pneumonia. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is taken by mouth once daily. Typically, the length of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of infection you have. For convenience, azithromycin (Zithromax) also comes pre-packaged as Z-Pak. Some of the more common side effects of azithromycin (Zithromax) include diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

Indications of Augmentin vs. Azithromycin

Indications for
•Ear infections
•Sinus infections
•Lower respiratory tract infections
•Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
•Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Indications for

Adults

Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

•Sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a bacterial infection
•Bronchitis
•Sinus infections
•Pneumonia
•Strep throat
•Tonsil infections
•Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
•Urethra or cervix infections
•Genital ulcer disease (chancroid)

Children

Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

•Ear infections (ages 6 months and older)
•Pneumonia (ages 6 months and older)
•Strep throat (ages 2 years and older)
•Tonsil infections (ages 2 years and older)

Pros and Cons of Augmentin vs. Azithromycin

Pros and Const for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitor
Pros
•Treats many types of bacterial infections in children and adults
•Available as a tablet, chewable tablet, and oral suspension
•Available as a lower-cost generic
•Safe to use while pregnant and while breastfeeding
Cons
•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 diarrhea
Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
Pros
•Taken by mouth once daily
•Treatment typically lasts only 3 to 5 days
•Comes as a liquid; good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
•Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
•Might not be the best choice for people with severe liver problems or certain heart problems
•Can cause stomach-related side effects, like diarrhea and stomach pain
•Some bugs might be resistant to azithromycin (Zithromax)

Common Side Effects of Augmentin vs. Azithromycin

Common Side Effects for

Immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and suspension

•Diarrhea or loose stools (9%)
•Nausea (3%)
•Skin rash (3%)

Extended-release tablets

•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

Adults

•Diarrhea (4-5%)
•Nausea (3%)
•Stomach pain (2-3%)

Children

•Diarrhea (2-6%)
•Vomiting (1-6%)
•Stomach pain (1-3%)

Warnings of Augmentin vs. Azithromycin

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 suspension
Common Side Effects for
•Severe allergic and skin reactions
•Liver damage
•Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
•Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
•Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
•Doesn't treat syphilis

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