Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin: What’s The Difference?
Augmentin and Amoxicillin are similar prescription antibiotics to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Doctors often recommend Augmentin to treat recurring strep throat and chronic ear infections, while Amoxicillin is prescribed for tonsilitis and urinary tract infections.
It is important to know that Augmentin tablets contain Amoxicillin and Clavulanate, which make them more effective than Amoxicillin for certain bacterial infections. However, Augmentin and Amoxicillin belong to a class of medications known as penicillin.
Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin: Which is more effective?
Augmentin and Amoxicillin are effective antibiotics for bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is prescribed for treating common throat, ear, and nose bacterial infections. On the other hand, Augmentin is recommended to treat severe infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
The doctor will determine the most effective antibiotic treatment based on your symptoms, medical condition, and diagnosis. The doctor will prescribe the best medication for treating the specific bacteria which cause your illness.
Augmentin
Augmentin is Amoxicillin combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor known as clavulanate.
Clavulanate obstructs the enzymes which contribute to antibiotic resistance. Adding a beta-lactamase blocker to Amoxicillin helps Augmentin overcome resistance to hard-to-treat bacteria. This is the reason Augmentin is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Check out the Different Strengths of Augmentin - 500+125mg and 875+125gm Tablets
What are the Uses of Augmentin?
Augmentin tablet treats the same bacteria as Amoxicillin but is also effective against some hard-to-treat infections, including:
- Skin abscesses
- Sinus infections
- Pneumonia
- Diabetic foot
- Ear infections
- Diverticulitis
- Bacterial infections associated with COPD
What are the Side effects of Augmentin?
Like other antibiotics, Augmentin can also cause some common side effects like diarrhoea. Some other side effects include:
- Rash
- Nausea
- Yeast infections
- Vomiting
Augmentin can lead to liver damage than it does with Amoxicillin alone.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is the first and most common antibiotic tablet recommended to treat respiratory, ear, skin, and urinary bacterial infections. It treats infections caused by a broad range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. You can find Amoxicillin capsules in different strengths & forms, such as 250mg or 500mg capsules and 500mg or 875mg tablets.
What are the Uses of Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed for treating bacterial infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. It also effectively treats throat, ear, and nose infections, common in children.
What are the Side effects of Amoxicillin?
The side effects of Amoxicillin are relatively mild. Due to this reason, Amoxicillin is often prescribed to children. The most common side effects of Amoxicillin include:
- Dark or hairy tongue
- Rash
- Vaginal itching
Vomiting and nausea can also occur, but they are more common with Augmentin.
Common Drug interactions for Augmentin and Amoxicillin
There are certain medicines which can interact with antibiotics. People taking anticoagulant drug warfarin might need to reduce their dosage when taken with Augmentin or Amoxicillin.
Some other medications which might interact with Augmentin tablet include:
- Lopurin
- Probalan
- CellCept
If you take Methotrexate, you will notice that it interferes with the absorption of Amoxicillin tablets. Make sure to inform the doctor about all other prescription & non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements you take to avoid drug interactions.
Summary
Thus, Augmentin and Amoxicillin are the first choice antibiotics which help to treat & manage several bacterial infections. However, it is important to use antibiotics only when prescribed by the doctor to avoid antibiotic resistance.
Augmentin treats resistant infections better than amoxicillin because it contains clavulanate, which helps fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Avoid Augmentin if you have severe kidney disease, past liver issues with amoxicillin/clavulanate, or allergies to penicillin or cephalosporin types of antibiotics.
Studies show Augmentin is more effective than oxytetracycline in treating chest infections. Augmentin can offer better results at 7 and 14 days of treatment.
Augmentin and amoxicillin are similarly effective for some infections, but Augmentin works better against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Augmentin, by targeting beta-lactamase-producing organisms, helps in clearing infection more effectively.
Yes, adults and children over 40 kg can take one tablet twice or up to three times daily, depending on the infection’s severity. Always take it with a meal and as advised by a doctor.