Penicillin vs. Augmentin for Skin Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Augmentin

(amoxicillin / clavulanate)

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Summary for Penicillin

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.

Indications for Penicillin

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

Pros and Cons for Penicillin

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

Common Side Effects for Penicillin

Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach upset
Diarrhea

Warnings for Penicillin

Allergic reaction
Infectious diarrhea
Development of drug-resistant bacteria

Summary for Augmentin

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 for Augmentin

Pros and Cons for Augmentin

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 for Augmentin

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 for Augmentin

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