Skip to main content

Compare
Augmentin vs. Azithromycin

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

Key takeaways

Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) and azithromycin (Zithromax) are both antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections, such as sinus infections and skin infections. However, they belong to different medication classes. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a penicillin antibiotic combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, while azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Augmentin is available in tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspensions, and is typically taken two to three times daily. In contrast, Zithromax is taken once daily, often for a shorter duration of 3 to 5 days, and is available as tablets and liquid suspension. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Both medications can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, but azithromycin may also lead to stomach pain and QT prolongation, a heart rhythm problem. Both medications can interact with warfarin, while Zithromax can also interact with antiarrhythmics and statins, potentially leading to serious heart rhythm issues.

Augmentin

(amoxicillin / clavulanate)

Get free coupons

Azithromycin

(Zithromax)

Get free coupons

Summary for Augmentin

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.

Indications for Augmentin

Pros and Cons for Augmentin

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

Common Side Effects for Augmentin

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%)

Warnings for Augmentin

  • 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

Summary for Azithromycin

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 for Azithromycin

Adults

Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

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 for Azithromycin

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 for Azithromycin

Adults

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

Children

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

Warnings for Azithromycin

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Augmentin vs. Azithromycin

Price Card Drug Icon
Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate20 tablets / 875mg/125mg
$13.79$34.94
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Azithromycin1 z-pak / 6 tablets of 250mg
$9.38$35.99
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Skin Infection and Ear Infection drugs

Augmentin vs. AmoxicillinAugmentin vs. AzithromycinAugmentin vs. BactrimAugmentin vs. CephalexinAugmentin vs. Cipro
Augmentin vs. DoxycyclineAugmentin vs. KeflexAugmentin vs. LevaquinCefdinir vs. AugmentinClindamycin vs. AugmentinPenicillin vs. AugmentinSpectracef vs. AugmentinTindamax vs. AugmentinUnasyn vs. AugmentinVantin vs. AugmentinAlbenza vs. TindamaxBactrim vs. ClindamycinBactrim vs. KeflexCefdinir vs. ClindamycinCephalexin vs. ClindamycinClindamycin vs. AzithromycinClindamycin vs. MetronidazoleClindamycin vs. TretinoinErythromycin vs. ClindamycinFinacea vs. TindamaxMetrogel vs. TindamaxMinocycline vs. TindamaxMupirocin vs. ClindamycinTalicia vs. TindamaxTindamax vs. Avelox

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.