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Vibramycin vs. Amoxicillin

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.

doxycycline hyclate

 

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Amoxicillin

(Amoxil)

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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

Summary for Amoxicillin

Prescription only

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 for Amoxicillin

Pros and Cons for Amoxicillin

Pros

  • Works well to treat many different bacterial infections
  • Can use for adults and children
  • Available in many forms (e.g., oral tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, liquid)
  • Liquid form comes in many different flavors to make it taste better

Cons

  • Might need to take up to three times per day
  • Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Not the best option if you have severe kidney problems
  • Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillin

Common Side Effects for Amoxicillin

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rash

Warnings for Amoxicillin

  • Severe allergic and skin reactions
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Development of drug-resistant bacteria

Prices with our coupons for Vibramycin vs. Amoxicillin

Price Card Drug Icon
Doxycycline Hyclate14 capsules / 100mg
$10.14$56.00
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Price Card Drug Icon
Amoxicillin21 capsules / 500mg
$9.09$12.20
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