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Compare Nitrofurantoin vs. Amoxicillin

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

Key takeaways

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) and amoxicillin (Amoxil) are both antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), but they belong to different medication classes. Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibiotic, while amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. Nitrofurantoin is specifically used for UTIs and is available in capsule and oral suspension forms, with a typical dosing of 100 mg every 12 hours for adults. Amoxicillin, on the other hand, treats a wider range of infections, including respiratory and skin infections, and comes in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid forms. Its dosing varies based on the infection type and severity. Nitrofurantoin has fewer drug interactions and is safe for those with sulfa allergies, but it can cause side effects like nausea and headache. Amoxicillin can cause diarrhea and rash and may not be suitable for those with penicillin allergies. Both medications require you to finish the full course to prevent the infection from returning.

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

  • Summary of Nitrofurantoin vs. Amoxicillin

    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 Nitrofurantoin vs. Amoxicillin

    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 Nitrofurantoin vs. Amoxicillin

    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 Nitrofurantoin vs. Amoxicillin

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

  • Warnings of Nitrofurantoin vs. Amoxicillin

    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 Nitrofurantoin vs. Amoxicillin

    Learn more about Nitrofurantoin
    Learn more about Amoxicillin

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