Urinary tract infections. Bone infections like osteomyelitis. Augmentin is also a prescription-only drug. Adverse Effects The side effects profile for amoxicillin and Augmentin are similar and include: Abdominal cramps that are most common when the drug is taken on an empty stomach. Mild nausea and vomiting.
Skin rash. An allergic reaction that may present with swelling of the lips or difficulty breathing. The most common ones include rash, vaginal itching, and a dark or "hairy tongue.
As with penicillin, there is a risk of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin in those predisposed to it. These can be life-threatening. It's vital a healthcare provider take a medical history before prescribing amoxicillin to determine if a patient has a known history of allergy to antibiotics. Augmentin is amoxicillin combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor called clavulanate, an ingredient that blocks the enzymes that contribute to antibiotic resistance.
The addition of a beta-lactamase blocker to amoxicillin allows Augmentin to overcome resistance to harder-to-treat bacteria, broadening the spectrum of infections it can treat. It is for this reason that Augmentin is referred to as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Augmentin can treat the same bacteria as amoxicillin, but also is effective against certain harder-to-treat infections, including:.
It should be noted there are a few infections for which amoxicillin and Augmentin are prescribed equally:. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
The most common side effect of Augmentin is diarrhea. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, yeast infections, and rash. If you have an infection and don't necessarily know which bacteria is causing it, it may seem to make sense to use an antibiotic that would kill the most bugs. However, doing that can cause major problems. Antibiotics used indiscriminately may destroy "good" bacteria along with "bad," thereby altering the body's natural flora and allowing even worse bacteria to proliferate.
Another, even more pressing concern is that using broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. When this happens, a few mutated bacteria may survive, some of which may be naturally resistant to the antibiotic you were taking.
Because you didn't "hit the infection hard enough," these survivors now have the opportunity to multiply and become the dominant strain. As such, the next time you develop an infection, the antibiotic will not work anywhere near as well. If this happens with broad-spectrum antibiotic like Augmentin, you will be at greater risk of having multiple types of drug resistance. With a "narrow-spectrum" antibiotic like amoxicillin, the consequence may be less severe. Whether you're prescribed amoxicillin, Augmentin, or another antibiotic, it's not so much the "strength" of the drug you should be concerned about; it's all about the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of treatment.
However, Augmentin is usually reserved for harder to treat infections compared to amoxicillin. These harder to treat infections may include kidney infections or severe skin abscesses. Amoxicillin and Augmentin also differ in how they are formulated. Both medications share similar side effects and drug interactions. They should be used with caution when taking other antibiotics and blood thinning medications. Because of their similarities and possible side effects, both antibiotics should be reviewed by your doctor.
Depending on the infection, your doctor may prescribe one antibiotic over the other. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Amoxicillin vs Augmentin: Main Differences and Similarities.
By Gerardo Sison, Pharm. Want the best price on Amoxicillin? Want the best price on Augmentin? Top Reads in Drug vs. Toujeo vs Lantus: Main Differences and S It is a mixture of amoxicillin and clavulanate or clavulanic acid. Clavulanate is a beta-lactamase blocker. It stops the enzymes that infectious bacteria produce to make themselves more resistant to antibiotics.
Because it contains clavulanate, Augmentin can treat some strains of bacteria that may be resistant to traditional antibiotics. As a result, the drug may be more effective for a wider range of bacteria. Doctors may prescribe Augmentin to treat the same infections as amoxicillin. They may also prescribe it to treat infections that could be more drug-resistant, including:. Doctors may also prescribe Augmentin for people who have recurring infections, such as UTIs or strep throat.
Augmentin and amoxicillin may also alter the healthy growth of bacteria in the intestines. This may lead to a temporary imbalance in the intestinal flora. People who frequently use antibiotics may have a higher risk of these issues, because their gut bacteria may have less time to recover.
According to the authors of a review , consuming probiotic foods after a round of antibiotics could help reestablish balance in the gut bacteria. As a review in the Canadian Medical Association Journal notes, Augmentin and amoxicillin may also increase the risk of yeast infections in some people.
These are fungal infections that need antifungal treatment. In very rare cases, some people may also experience seizures or low blood or platelet levels after taking these antibiotics. It is also possible to be allergic to these medications. A severe allergic reaction can lead to a dangerous complication called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care. Also, Augmentin may lead to an overgrowth of bacteria called Clostridium difficile.
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