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Compare Augmentin vs. Vibramycin

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

Key takeaways

Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) and doxycycline hyclate (Vibramycin, Doryx) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including sinus infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, they belong to different medication classes. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a penicillin antibiotic combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, while doxycycline hyclate is a tetracycline antibiotic. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is available in tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspensions, and is typically taken two to three times daily. Doxycycline hyclate comes in capsules, tablets, and liquid syrup, and is usually taken once or twice daily. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of amoxicillin-clavulanate include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, whereas doxycycline hyclate can cause stomach upset, nausea, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Amoxicillin-clavulanate interacts with medications like warfarin, while doxycycline hyclate can interact with blood thinners and birth control pills.

Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
Doxycycline hyclate
Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
Doxycycline hyclate
Summary of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin
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 Tetracycline antibiotic
Prescription only
Doxycycline hyclate is an antibiotic that treats many conditions, including acne, chlamydia, sinus infection, and urinary tract infection (UTI). It's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It comes as capsules, tablets, and a liquid syrup. Side effects of doxycycline hyclate include stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.
Indications of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin
Indications for

•Ear infections

•Sinus infections

•Lower respiratory tract infections

•Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)

•Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Indications for
Doxycycline hyclate is used to prevent malaria due to the parasite Plasmodium falciparum and to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. Some examples include:

•Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs

•Infections caused by ticks, mites, or fleas (Rocky Mountain spotted fever or typhus fever)

•Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis

•Lyme disease

•Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

•Severe acne

•Anthrax

•Plague

•Cholera
Pros and Cons of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin
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 Tetracycline antibiotic
Pros

•Good alternative for some infections if you're allergic to penicillins

•Treats many different infections, including severe acne and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia

•Available as a liquid for those who have trouble swallowing pills

•Likely safe for people who have kidney problems

Cons

•Can raise your risk of sunburns

•Can sometimes cause stomach discomfort or stomach upset

•Interacts with blood thinners and birth control pills

•Not safe for young children or pregnant females
Common Side Effects of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin
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

•Stomach upset

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Loss of appetite

•Sunburn
Warnings of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin
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

•Permanent tooth discoloration

•Severe diarrhea

•Severe skin reactions

•High pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri)

•Harm to unborn and young babies

•Sunburn

•Damage to the esophagus

•New infections

•Drug-resistant bacteria
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Compare Augmentin vs. Vibramycin

Key takeaways

Summary of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin

Indications of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin

Pros and Cons of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin

Common Side Effects of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin

Warnings of Augmentin vs. Vibramycin

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