Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Augmentin vs. Cephalexin

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

Key takeaways

Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) and cephalexin (Keflex) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and sinus infections. However, they belong to different medication classes. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a penicillin antibiotic combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, while cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is available in tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspensions, and is typically taken two to three times a day. Cephalexin comes in capsules, tablets, and liquid suspensions, and is usually taken two to four times a day. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Amoxicillin-clavulanate and cephalexin may interact with medications like warfarin and probenecid. Common side effects of both medications include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash. If you have a penicillin allergy, you might not be able to take amoxicillin-clavulanate, but you might still be able to take cephalexin, depending on the severity of your allergy.

  • Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
    Cephalexin
  • Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
    Cephalexin

  • Summary of Augmentin vs. Cephalexin

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cephalexin is a common antibiotic that's used to treat many different bacterial infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and sinus infections, to name a few. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria to fight the infection. It's safe to use in people over the age of 1, and it's typically taken by mouth 2 to 4 times per day. This medication is available as a lower-cost generic capsule, tablet, and suspension; the brand name Keflex is no longer available. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Augmentin vs. Cephalexin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Augmentin vs. Cephalexin

    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 Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats several common types of bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children over the age of 1
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Usually need to take a few times per day
    •Might not be able to take if you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu (these are viral illnesses, not bacterial infections)

  • Common Side Effects of Augmentin vs. Cephalexin

    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
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Indigestion
    •Stomach pain

  • Warnings of Augmentin vs. Cephalexin

    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
    •Allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of bleeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Augmentin vs. Cephalexin

    Learn more about Augmentin
    Learn more about Cephalexin

Compare other Skin Infection and Ear Infection drugs

Augmentin vs AmoxicillinAugmentin vs AzithromycinAugmentin vs BactrimAugmentin vs CephalexinAugmentin vs CiproAugmentin vs DoxycyclineAugmentin vs KeflexAugmentin vs LevaquinCefdinir vs AugmentinClindamycin vs AugmentinPenicillin vs AugmentinSpectracef vs AugmentinTindamax vs AugmentinUnasyn vs AugmentinVantin vs AugmentinAmoxicillin vs PenicillinBactrim vs KeflexCeftin vs KeflexCleocin vs KeflexFlagyl vs KeflexKeflex vs AveloxKeflex vs CeclorKeflex vs CedaxKeflex vs ClindesseKeflex vs EpiduoKeflex vs FinaceaKeflex vs MonurolMacrobid vs KeflexSpectracef vs KeflexZymaxid vs Keflex
View More

Browse medications

View All

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