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Compare Macrobid vs. Amoxil

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

Key takeaways

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) and amoxicillin (Amoxil) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and treat different types of infections. Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibiotic mainly used to treat or prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by targeting bacteria in the urinary tract. In contrast, amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that treats a wider range of infections, including respiratory, skin, and UTIs. Nitrofurantoin is typically taken with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset, while amoxicillin can be taken with or without food. Nitrofurantoin is not suitable for people with severe kidney problems or those in the last weeks of pregnancy, whereas amoxicillin is generally safe during pregnancy but not recommended for those with severe penicillin allergies. Common side effects of nitrofurantoin include nausea and headache, while amoxicillin often causes diarrhea and rash. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
    Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
  • Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
    Amoxicillin (Amoxil)

  • Summary of Macrobid vs. Amoxil

    Summary for Nitrofuran antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI). Some side effects include nausea, headache, and gas. It can also make your urine turn dark yellow or brown. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) doesn't have many interactions with other medications. There's a lower-cost generic version of nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) available.

    Summary for Penicillin antibiotic
    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 of Macrobid vs. Amoxil

    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections
    Indications for
    •Upper respiratory tract infections (ear, nose, and throat infections)
    •Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Helicobacter pylori infection (adults only)

  • Pros and Cons of Macrobid vs. Amoxil

    Pros and Const for Nitrofuran antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat and prevent UTIs
    •Available as both a capsule and a flavored oral suspension
    •Safe to take if you're allergic to other antibiotics like penicillin or sulfa medications (e.g., Bactrim, Septra (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim))
    Cons
    •Might need to take up to four times a day (depending on the formulation)
    •Can interact with certain types of antacids, travel vaccines, and lab tests
    •Can harm your lungs, liver, and nerves if taken for a long period of time
    Pros and Const for Penicillin antibiotic
    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 of Macrobid vs. Amoxil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Gas (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Rash

  • Warnings of Macrobid vs. Amoxil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lung damage
    •Liver damage
    •Nerve damage (neuropathy)
    •Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
    •Severe diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria

  • Prices with our coupons for Macrobid vs. Amoxil

    Learn more about Nitrofurantoin
    Learn more about Amoxicillin

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