Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Doxycycline hyclate (Vibramycin, Doryx) and amoxicillin (Amoxil) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, such as sinus infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, they belong to different medication classes. Doxycycline hyclate is a tetracycline antibiotic, while amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. Doxycycline hyclate is available in tablets, capsules, liquid syrup, and injectable forms and is typically taken once or twice daily. Amoxicillin comes in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid form, and is usually taken two to three times a day. Doxycycline hyclate can cause side effects like stomach upset, nausea, and sun sensitivity, while amoxicillin may cause diarrhea, nausea, and rash. Doxycycline hyclate interacts with blood thinners and birth control pills, whereas amoxicillin can interact with medications like warfarin and allopurinol. Doxycycline hyclate is not safe for young children or pregnant women, while amoxicillin is considered safe during pregnancy.
Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is a penicillin antibiotic that's used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as sinus infections, ear infections, strep throat, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's available as oral pills, a chewable tablet, and an oral liquid. Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is well-tolerated, but possible side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and rash.
Indications of Vibramycin vs. Amoxicillin
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