Azithromycinandamoxicillinare commonly prescribedantibioticsused to treat variousbacterial infections, such aspneumonia,bronchitis, orurinary tract infections (UTIs).
Furthermore, they differ in the infections they treat, side effects, and drug interactions.
Continue reading to learn more about azithromycin vs. amoxicillin.
NurPhoto / Getty Images
They work by killing or stopping bacteria from growing inside the body.
Further examples of bacterial infections includestrep throatand ear infections.
Antibiotics do not treatviral infectionssuch as thecommon cold, theflu, orCOVID-19.
What Is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is classified as a macrolide antibiotic that prevents bacterial infections from spreading inside the body.
Azithromycin is commonly known by its brand name, the orally administeredZithromax, also known as the Zithromax Z-Pak.
Healthcare providers may prescribe higher doses of azithromycin than FDA-approved.
In both cases, these would be examples of off-label uses.
Amoxicillin is classified as a penicillin-like antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from growing.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin can be taken with or without food.
Always use a medicinal measuring equipment when measuring the liquid medication.
This drug can be given to adults and children.
Dosing in children depends on infection bang out and the child’s weight.
The length of treatment is usually anywhere from five to 14 days but could be longer in some cases.
Why Do I Need to Finish My Antibiotics?
Take your antibiotic as prescribed, and do not skip doses.
Finishing your antibiotic helps ensure the infection is completely cleared and helps preventantibiotic resistance.
This shows up when antibiotics are no longer effective against the bacteria they were created to kill.
Which Is More Effective?
Studies have found azithromycin and amoxicillin to be similarly effective and well-tolerated.
The section below will outline the common and severe side effects that azithromycin or amoxicillin may cause.
Azithromycin and amoxicillin are different types of antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics vs. penicillin-like antibiotics, respectively.
They differ in the infections they treat, side effects, and drug interactions.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about each medication and medical advice about the appropriate prescription.
Keep all medications out of reach and sight of children and pets.
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
However, always check with your pharmacist regarding storage and disposal instructions for your prescription.
According to Planned Parenthood,Rifadin (rifampin)is the only antibiotic that can interact with birth control.
Ask your healthcare provider if the antibiotic interacts with your method of birth control.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic use questions and answers.
DailyMed.Label: Zithromax- azithromycin dihydrate tablet, film coated Zithromax- azithromycin dihydrate powder, for suspension.
Food and Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label”.
Evans JR, Solomon AW, Kumar R, et al.Antibiotics for trachoma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2019;9(9):CD001860.
2019;81:128-136. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2019.02.005
Prescribers Digital Reference.Amoxicillin capsules, for oral suspension, and tablets (chewable).
DailyMed.Label: Talicia- omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin capsule, delayed release.
MedlinePlus.Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
Food and Drug Administration.Combating antibiotic resistance.
2021;20(1):28. doi:10.1186/s12941-021-00434-x
Planned Parenthood.Can antibiotics affect my birth control?
