Amoxicillin vs Azithromycin: Here Is Everything You Need To Know

Amoxicillin vs Azithromycin: Here Is Everything You Need To Know

Have you ever suffered from a bacterial sinus infection or any other bacterial infectious disease? If yes then your doctors must have recommended you an antibiotic.

You need to know that Azithromycin and Amoxicillin are two common antibiotics prescribed for treating the condition of bacterial infections. Antibiotics are prescription drugs that treat only bacterial infections and do not work for viral infections like the common cold, flu, or Covid-19.

The two most commonly prescribed antibiotics nowadays are Amoxicillin and Azithromycin. However, before you start the treatment with these medications, it is vital to understand them first.

What is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is available in the market by its brand name Amoxil and belongs to a class of drugs called Penicillin Antibiotics.

Amoxicillin works in your body by avoiding bacteria from forming cell walls which further kills the bacteria. To treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, ear infections, and throat infections, doctors recommend Amoxicillin to patients.  

What is Azithromycin?

You can find Azithromycin in the market by its brand name Zithromax. It belongs to the class of medicines called Macrolide Antibiotics. Azithromycin works in your body by binding to the bacteria and stopping the bacteria to produce proteins required to survive. 

Doctors prescribed Azithromycin to patients suffering from bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and some sexually transmitted diseases.

It is vital for you to know that both Amoxicillin and Azithromycin are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Though both medicines are antibiotics but have several differences. In this blog, you will know about Amoxicillin and Azithromycin in detail.

Amoxicillin and Azithromycin: What are the differences?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that is identified by its brand name Amoxil. Though, you will not find Amoxil in the market commercially because this medicine is only available in the generic form.  

You need to know that Amoxicillin is usually prescribed as Amoxicillin capsules or as a combination medicine that contains clavulanic acid. Doctors recommend Amoxicillin to adults and children, while the dosage differs by indication.

On the other hand, Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is recognized by its brand name Zithromax. You need to know this medication is made by Pfizer. Azithromycin is generally recommended as a tablet, in the form of a Zithromax Z-Pak or Zithromax Tri-Pak. This antibiotic is given to both adults and children, but the dosage can vary by indication.   

It is necessary to know when you are recommended an antibiotic, you must take it as prescribed, and finish the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better after a few days. 

In case, you have been taking antibiotics for a long time and you feel worse or do not feel better then contact the doctor immediately.

What conditions are treated by Amoxicillin and Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is effective in treating different bacterial infections in adults as well as children. It is not recommended for people with pneumonia who suffer from cystic fibrosis, nosocomial infections, or patients suffering compromised immune systems or asplenia.

Some of the conditions treated by Amoxicillin and Azithromycin include:

  • Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by Moraxella Catarrhalis, Haemophilus Influenzae, or Streptococcus Pneumoniae. 
  • Acute sinusitis caused due to Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenzae, or Streptococcus Pneumoniae.
  • Pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus Pyogenes as a substitute to first-line therapy in patients who are not able to use first-line therapy.
  • Community-acquired pneumonia is caused by Haemophilus influenza, Chlamydophila Pneumoniae, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, or Streptococcus Pneumoniae.
  • Uncomplicated skin/skin structure infections are caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus agalactia.
  • Genital ulcer disease in men because of Haemophilus ducreyi
  • Urethritis and cervicitis caused due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis

On the other hand, Amoxicillin treats various bacterial infections:

In order to decrease the development of antibiotic resistance, Amoxicillin or Azithromycin must be used in patients suffering from bacterial infections. However, these medicines should be taken only when prescribed by the doctor.

Drug interactions of Amoxicillin and Azithromycin

Intake of either Amoxicillin or Azithromycin in combination with blood thinner like warfarin can increase the risk of experiencing bleeding. This further can be life-threatening.

Before starting your treatment with these antibiotics, it is vital to discuss with the doctor about other medicines and herbal supplements you take. Azithromycin drug interactions can also occur with medicines like colchicine or digoxin. 

Allopurinol in combination with Amoxicillin tablets can make you suffer from the incidence of rash.

Therefore, Amoxicillin and Azithromycin should be taken only under the supervision of the doctor to attain maximum benefits. To know more about Generic Zithromax brand Azee Visit our indian pharmacy store.

Conclusion

Amoxicillin and Azithromycin are two common antibiotics prescribed to treat bacterial infections. While both of them have the same goal, they differ in terms of their chemical formulation and how they interact with other drugs. It is important to be aware of any potential interactions when taking either antibiotic so that you can get the most out of your treatment. Additionally, it is always best to speak with a doctor before starting medication for any condition as different people might require different prescriptions depending on their symptoms.