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Compare Penicillin vs. Augmentin

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

Key takeaways

Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) and penicillin V potassium (penicillin VK) are both antibiotics, but they differ in their composition and use. Augmentin combines amoxicillin with clavulanate, which helps fight bacteria that can resist amoxicillin alone, making it effective for a broader range of infections such as ear, sinus, respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infections. Penicillin VK, on the other hand, is used mainly for strep throat, scarlet fever, certain types of pneumonia, and staph skin infections. While Augmentin is taken two to three times daily, penicillin VK is usually taken every 6 to 8 hours. Both antibiotics can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea, and neither should be used if you have a penicillin allergy. Augmentin is more versatile due to its combination formula, whereas penicillin VK is preferred for specific strep infections.

  • Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
  • Penicillin v potassium (Penicillin VK)
    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)

  • Summary of Penicillin vs. Augmentin

    Summary for Penicillin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Penicillin V potassium (Penicillin VK) is an antibiotic used to treat several types of infections throughout the body in adults and children. It's available as tablets and suspension that are taken by mouth. The dosage depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is, but the medication is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

    Summary for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an antibiotic medication. It contains a penicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This antibiotic treats many types of bacterial infections, like urinary tract infection (UTI), sinus infection, and ear infection, among others. It fights infections by preventing bacteria from protecting themselves from harm. This medication comes as tablets, chewable tablets, and a suspension that are taken by mouth typically two to three times daily. It's approved for use in adults and children. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.

  • Indications of Penicillin vs. Augmentin

    Indications for
    •Certain types of streptococcal infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, erysipelas (a type of skin infection)
    •Pneumococcal respiratory tract infections
    •Staphylococcal skin infections
    •Vincent's gingivitis
    •Prevention of rheumatic fever or chorea (long-term problems from strep infection)
    •Prevention of heart valve infections in certain people with heart problems
    Indications for
    •Ear infections
    •Sinus infections
    •Lower respiratory tract infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Pros and Cons of Penicillin vs. Augmentin

    Pros and Const for Penicillin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different bacterial infections
    •Can use for adults and children
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a tablet and suspension
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Might not be able to take this medication if you've had a severe allergy to penicillin
    •Not recommended for treating a cold or the flu because these are viral infections
    •Needs to be taken every 6 to 8 hours
    Pros and Const for Penicillin antibiotic / Beta-lactamase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections in children and adults
    •Available as a tablet, chewable tablet, and oral suspension
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Safe to use while pregnant and while breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Typically need to take 2 or 3 times daily
    •Might not be able to take this antibiotic if you've had a severe penicillin allergy
    •Can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

  • Common Side Effects of Penicillin vs. Augmentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and suspension

    •Diarrhea or loose stools (9%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Skin rash (3%)

    Extended-release tablets

    •Diarrhea (15%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (3%)

    Augmentin ES-600 (amoxicillin / clavulanate) suspension

    •Vomiting (7%)
    •Fever (6%)
    •Rash (6%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)

  • Warnings of Penicillin vs. Augmentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Liver problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - for chewable tablets and suspension

  • Prices with our coupons for Penicillin vs. Augmentin

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