Augmentin vs Azithromycin: Choosing the Right Antibiotic
Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections caused by bacteria.
They do this by inhibiting growth and thereby destroying them.
Antibiotics like Augmentin and Azithromycin are used to treat and prevent such infections.
These are known to either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
However, your doctor can diagnose and identify what caused an infection and will determine the most appropriate treatment.
Keep reading to discover the key differences between Augmentin vs Azithromycin, and determine which treatment is best suited for your condition.
Quick review
Springer conducted a comparative study between Azithromycin vs Augmentin.
As per this study, both antibiotics are equally effective, with clinical improvements in 92% and 87% of patients, respectively.
Minor side effects were seen in 6 % and 12 % of patients in the two groups, respectively, and no significant abnormalities in laboratory safety parameters were seen in either group.
This study resulted in Azithromycin having the edge over Augmentin (Amoxicillin) in terms of treatment efficiency, side effects, and safety parameters.
Now let’s have a general comparison between Augmentin vs Azithromycin.
| Basis | Augmentin | Azithromycin |
|---|---|---|
| FDA-approved Uses | It is used in the treatment of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Otitis Media It is also used for pneumonia, ear, sinus, and skin infections. | It is an effective first-line treatment for Bacterial Conjunctivitis Bronchitis It is also used for infections of the ears, lungs, sinuses, eyes, skin, throat, and reproductive organs. |
| FDA status in the year | 1984 | 2002 |
| Side effects | Some common side effects of Augmentin include Headache, Nausea, Diarrhea, Gas, and Vomiting. | Some common side effects of Azithromycin include Vomiting, Diarrhea/loose stools, Nausea, Stomach upset, Abdominal pain |
| Avg. Cost | $10-$17 | $8-$45 |
| Others | Brand (Augmentin XR) | Generic |
These relative advantages of both medications make it imperative to study them in depth.
Read to learn more about the medications and compare them dispassionately.
What is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is used to treat and prevent various infections, including mycobacteria.
It is a macrolide-type antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Generally, doctors don’t prescribe medicine for viral infections.
Misuse or overuse of any antibiotic may bring severe side effects.
Azithral Eye Drops contain Azithromycin as the main ingredient.
Your doctor will inform you about its interaction, substitute, and other details.
What is Augmentin?
Augmentin is a penicillin antibiotic that helps your body fight bacterial infections.
It is a combination of two medicines: Amoxycillin and Clavulanic Acid.
Augmentin is known to treat infections of the urinary tract, nasal sinus, skin, ear, lungs, and soft tissue.
However, it is ineffective against viral infections such as the common cold.
To avoid stomach problems, doctors recommend taking this medication with food.
Some of the common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Their effects are mild, but let your doctor know if they bother you.
Augmentin vs Azithromycin: Pros and cons
Here is a general overview of the pros and cons of Augmentin vs Azithromycin, which might come in handy.
| Augmentin | Azithromycin | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Available as a generic product Available in liquid, capsule, and tablet forms Used to treat most common types of bacterial infections Compared to other antibiotics, side effects are generally not that bad Doctors might recommend using it once or twice a day | It is available as a generic product Can be purchased as suspension, eye drops and tablet form Used to treat several bacterial infections Bacteria are less resistant to this antibiotic Doctors might recommend using it once or twice a day |
| Cons | Most of the bacteria have developed resistance to this antibiotic It might cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting Birth control pills may not work well when taking this medication | You have to space out antacids by at least 2 hours Use preventive measures if you have liver disease If you are on anticoagulants (medicines to thin blood), take this antibiotic with precautions |
Side effects
Like every other medication, Augmentin vs Azithromycin has its respective side effects.
Some of the common side effects of these medications are
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Also read: For a complete list of side effects and tips on how to manage them, check out “Don’t Let These Augmentin Side Effects Scare You” to learn more.
Risk factors of Augmentin:
Some of the few risk and risk factors of Augmentin are as follows,
- Rash – Mononucleosis
- Serious allergic reaction – History of penicillin and multiple allergies
- Liver damage – Existing liver problems and taking other medicines that harm the liver
- Superinfection – Older age, taking immunosuppressant drugs or taking Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate) for a long time
Risk factors of Azithromycin:
- Myasthenia gravis
- Liver damage – History of liver disease
- Abnormal heartbeat – Arrhythmia, QT prolongation, abnormal electrolytes, and drugs that cause prolonged QT interval.
Interactions
Azithromycin moderately reacts with Albuterol, Atorvastatin, and tramadol, whereas Augmentin interactions predominantly involve Doxycycline, reducing its effectiveness when used together.
Before taking any antibiotic, make sure to learn about its drug interactions.
Doctors generally don’t prescribe antibiotics in combination with Warfarin and birth control pills, as they might cause severe side effects.
Before taking these antibiotics, consult your doctor about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take.
Sharing this vital information will help them to avoid possible interactions.
Talk to your healthcare provider if any questions are bothering you about interactions.
Takeaway
Augmentin vs Azithromycin are antibiotics that come with respective benefits and drawbacks.
Both these medicines are used to treat bacterial infections.
For a convenient option, Azithromycin is considered due to its availability.
The decision between these two medications depends largely on individual factors, including your medical history, the type of infection, and any other medications you’re taking.
Your doctor will guide you in choosing the most suitable treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is better, Azithromycin or Augmentin?
Augmentin is considered the best among the two. It is the first-line antibiotic for most common types of infections. However, it may not work against some severe forms of diseases. This antibiotic is mainly used to treat bacterial infections.
Is Augmentin similar to Azithromycin?
No, both Augmentin and Azithromycin are different types of antibiotics. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, whereas Augmentin combines a beta-lactamase inhibitor and a penicillin-type antibiotic.
Is Augmentin the most potent antibiotic?
Augmentin can fight against a wide range of bacteria. Therefore, Augmentin is a more potent antibiotic. However, the potency of the antibiotic depends on the infection and the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Where can I buy Augmentin and Azithromycin together?
