Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

doxycycline hyclate

 

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 Vibramycin

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 for Vibramycin

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 for Vibramycin

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 for Vibramycin

  • Stomach upset
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sunburn

Warnings for Vibramycin

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Augmentin vs. Vibramycin

Price Card Drug Icon
Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate20 tablets / 875mg/125mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Doxycycline Hyclate14 capsules / 100mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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