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Compare Vantin vs. Augmentin

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

Key takeaways

Cefpodoxime (Vantin) and Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different classes. Cefpodoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, while Augmentin combines a penicillin antibiotic (amoxicillin) with a beta-lactamase inhibitor (clavulanate). Cefpodoxime is typically taken twice a day and is available as a generic tablet and suspension. Augmentin, on the other hand, can be taken two to three times daily and comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspension forms. Both medications can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, but Augmentin has a higher risk of causing liver problems and serious skin reactions. Additionally, Augmentin is not recommended for people with a history of liver issues or mononucleosis infection. While both antibiotics are effective against a variety of infections, they have different mechanisms of action and specific considerations for use.

  • Cefpodoxime
    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
  • Cefpodoxime
    Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)

  • Summary of Vantin vs. Augmentin

    Summary for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It's used to treat several types of bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, and strep throat, in adults and children. The brand-name product Vantin is discontinued, but the antibiotic is still available as a lower-cost generic tablet and suspension. The dosage depends on your age and the type of infection you have, but cefpodoxime is typically taken twice per day by mouth. Side effects include diarrhea and nausea.

    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 Vantin vs. Augmentin

    Indications for
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infection
    •Sinus infection
    •Pneumonia
    •Lung infection related to long-term bronchitis
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI)
    •Gonorrhea
    •Skin infection
    •Ear infection
    Indications for
    •Ear infections
    •Sinus infections
    •Lower respiratory tract infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Pros and Cons of Vantin vs. Augmentin

    Pros and Const for Cephalosporin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections throughout the body
    •Can use to treat infections in both children and adults
    •Available as a tablet and liquid suspension
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take twice per day to treat most infections
    •Might not be able to take if you have a severe allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics
    •Not recommended for the cold or flu, since they're not caused by a bacterial infection
    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 Vantin vs. Augmentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diaper rash or fungal skin rash in children (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 7% in adults; up to 13% in children under 2 years old)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Vomiting (2%)
    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 Vantin vs. Augmentin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Possible 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 Vantin vs. Augmentin

    Learn more about Cefpodoxime
    Learn more about Augmentin

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