Unasyn vs. Augmentin for Sinus Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Unasyn (ampicillin/sulbactam) and Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) are both combination antibiotics that belong to the penicillin class and include a beta-lactamase inhibitor. They are used to treat various bacterial infections, including skin infections, but they differ in several ways. Unasyn is administered as an injection (IV or IM) and is typically used in a healthcare setting, while Augmentin is taken orally as tablets, chewable tablets, or a liquid suspension. Unasyn is not FDA-approved for urinary tract infections (UTIs), whereas Augmentin is approved for this use. Unasyn is given four times daily, while Augmentin is usually taken two to three times daily. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of Unasyn include pain at the injection site, diarrhea and rash, while Augmentin commonly causes diarrhea, nausea, and rash. Both medications can cause serious allergic reactions, especially if you have a penicillin allergy, and they can interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your healthcare team about all the medications you are taking.

Unasyn

(ampicillin / sulbactam)

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Augmentin

(amoxicillin / clavulanate)

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Summary for Unasyn

Prescription only

Unasyn (ampicillin / sulbactam) is a combination medication that contains a penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitor. This antibiotic is used to treat several types of infections throughout the body in adults and children. Doses are given as injections into the vein (IV) or muscle (IM) every 6 hours. Unasyn (ampicillin / sulbactam) is available as a brand-name medication and lower-cost generic. Side effects aren't common, but can include pain at the injection site and diarrhea.

Indications for Unasyn

Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
Stomach infections
Gynecological infections (e.g., vaginal, cervical, pelvic inflammatory disease)

Pros and Cons for Unasyn

Pros

Treats many types of bacterial infections
Can use for fighting bacterial infections in children as young as 1 year of age
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Typically needs to be given every 6 hours
Must be given as an IV or IM injection by a healthcare professional
Might not be a safe choice if you've had a severe allergy to penicillins

Common Side Effects for Unasyn

Pain at injection site (16% for IM injections, 3% for IV injections)
Diarrhea (3%)
Rash (up to 2%)

Warnings for Unasyn

Allergic reactions
Severe skin reactions
Liver problems
Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

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