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Erythromycin vs. Amoxicillin

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

Key takeaways

Erythromycin (Ery-tab, E.E.S.) and Amoxil (amoxicillin) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different medication classes. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, while Amoxil is a penicillin antibiotic. Both medications can treat respiratory and skin infections, but erythromycin is also used for conditions like pertussis and sexually transmitted infections, whereas Amoxil is used for urinary tract infections and *Helicobacter pylori* infections. Erythromycin is available as oral tablets and suspension, while Amoxil comes in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid forms. Erythromycin is typically taken 2 to 4 times a day, whereas Amoxil can be taken 2 to 3 times a day depending on the infection. Common side effects of both medications include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but erythromycin can also cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage and heart rhythm changes.

Erythromycin

 

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Amoxicillin

(Amoxil)

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Summary for Erythromycin

Prescription only

Erythromycin is an antibiotic that's used to treat a variety of infections caused by bacteria, including certain skin and respiratory infections. The dosage depends on the specific infection you're using it for. The most common side effects are related to the stomach, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Erythromycin comes in two forms that are taken by mouth: oral tablets and an oral suspension.

Indications for Erythromycin

Pros and Cons for Erythromycin

Pros

  • Treats many types of infections
  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • EES is available as an oral tablet or oral suspension

Cons

  • Commonly causes nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset
  • Interacts with many medications
  • Has to be taken multiple times a day

Common Side Effects for Erythromycin

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Anorexia

Warnings for Erythromycin

  • Liver damage
  • Life-threatening changes in your heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
  • Syphilis in infants
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Worsening of myasthenia gravis
  • Intestinal blockage in babies

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 Erythromycin vs. Amoxicillin

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Erythromycin1 tube / 3.5g of 0.5%
$11.79$11.99
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Amoxicillin21 capsules / 500mg
$9.09$12.20
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