Azithromycin vs Amoxicillin: Which Antibiotic is Right for You?
Antibiotics are generally safe to use.
These medicines are used to fight bacterial infections in people.
Antibiotics destroy the bacteria or make it difficult for the bacteria to multiply or grow.
In a study published by Scott W. Olesen et al. on NIH, in 2011, around 34% of people received an antibiotic, and 10% of people received 57% of all antibiotic prescriptions.
Azithromycin and Amoxicillin are two of the most common antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
You can read the detailed comparison of the medications in this article.
Overview:
| Factors | Azithromycin | Amoxicillin |
|---|---|---|
| Brand name | Zithromax | Amoxil |
| Approval by FDA | 24th May 2002 | 16th May 2000 |
| Class of medicine | Macrolide antibiotics | Penicillin-like Antibiotics |
| Formulation | Tablets, Suspension, Injection, Eye drops | Tablets, Injections, Liquid |
What is Azithromycin:
Azithromycin is a prescription-based medicine used to treat bacterial infections.
It comes under the class of medications called Macrolide antibiotics.
The medicine was approved by FDA on 24th May 2002 to treat bacterial infections.
Azithromycin is a generic drug, also available under the brand name Zithromax.
You can take the medicine in following dosage form:
- Tablet or capsule
- Injection given into veins
- Oral Suspension
- Eyedrops
The medicine is used to treat below mentioned bacterial infections:
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Infections of ears, skin, throat, and sinus
What is Amoxicillin:
Amoxicillin is also a prescription medicine used to treat bacterial infections.
The medicine is in a class of medications called Penicillin-like Antibiotics.
Amoxicillin received its approval from FDA on 16th May 2000 as an antibiotic.
Amoxicillin is also available under the brand name Amoxil.
You can take the medicine as a tablet, injection, or liquid.
Your doctor may prescribe you the medicine to treat any of the following conditions:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Infections of ears, nose, skin, throat, and urinary tract
Doctors sometimes recommend it in combination with other medications to treat ulcers caused by a bacteria called H. Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori).
Thus avoid taking the medication without proper guidance from your doctor.
Azithromycin or Amoxicillin: Pros and cons
Both Azithromycin and Amoxicillin act as antibiotics. These medicines, like all others, offer certain benefits and drawbacks.
| Factors | Azithromycin | Amoxicillin |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Available as generic in tablet and suspension form Used to treat various types of bacterial infections Bacteria is less resistant Immediate release form | Available as generic in tablet, capsule, or liquid form Side effects are not too severe First choice of medicine to treat the bacterial infection |
| Cons | Consult the doctor if you have liver disease Must space out antacids by at least two hours Use with caution if you are taking Anticoagulants | The response rate to medicine is less as compared to other antibiotics For the best benefits, you might need to take it two to three times daily |
Azithromycin vs Amoxicillin for sinus infection
Most sinus infections usually do not need antibiotics, but your doctor will decide if you need them.
Your doctor may prescribe Azithromycin or Amoxicillin for sinus infections.
A study was published by NIH comparing the tolerability and efficacy of a 3-day course for Azithromycin whereas a 10-day course for Amoxicillin to treat acute sinusitis in 100 adults.
A significantly faster recovery was observed in the Azithromycin-treated patients.
After the completion of the course, 95% of the patients treated with Azithromycin were recovered completely, while 74% of patients in the Amoxicillin group were cured. By the follow-up visit, those numbers went upto 98% and 91%, respectively.
As a result, Azithromycin offers much more significant benefits in terms of a more straightforward dose schedule with quick recovery.
Azithromycin vs Amoxicillin: Side effects
Amoxicillin side effects are usually rare affecting around 1 in 10 people.
The most common Amoxicillin side effects are related to Penicillin sensitivity.
Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if you observe any of the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Hypersensitivity reaction
Side effects due to Azithromycin are rarer than Amoxicillin, affecting more than 1 person in 100.
Common Azithromycin side effects are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Feeling dizzy or tired
- Headache
- Losing your appetite
- Changes in your sense of taste
Talk to your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away.
As a result, compared to Amoxicillin, there is a lower chance that you might have any adverse effects from Azithromycin.
Takeaway
Azithromycin and Amoxicillin are both commonly used to treat bacterial infections and prescription-based medicine with approval from FDA.
According to studies, Azithromycin is more effective than Amoxicillin in treating sinus infections and has a more manageable dosage schedule.
Azithromycin is also available as eye drops for eye infections, while Amoxicillin is not FDA-approved for intraocular administration.
In conclusion, Azithromycin is tolerable and more effective in curing bacterial infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is better, Azithromycin or Amoxicillin?
Regarding the efficacy of the medicine, Azithromycin is more effective than Amoxicillin and has a more straightforward dosage regimen.
Does Azithromycin work the same as Amoxicillin?
Yes, Azithromycin and Amoxicillin work in a similar way to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing the bacteria or inhibiting its growth.
Can you buy Azithromycin over the counter?
Azithromycin is not available over the counter, as you need a doctor’s prescription to buy medication.
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