What is the difference between erythromycin and amoxicillin

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.

People are sometimes surprised, and even taken aback, when they are given amoxicillin for a serious infection such as pneumonia.

But in many cases that may be all that is needed to resolve the infection. If you don't believe that the antibiotic being prescribed is "strong enough," speak with your healthcare provider. This is especially true if you have a new healthcare provider or don't see a healthcare provider all that often. If you've had recurrent infections in the past for which amoxicillin hasn't helped, let the healthcare provider know. The more your healthcare provider knows about your previous antibiotic use, the better choices he or she can make.

Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. J Korean Med Sci. Amoxicillin-potassium clavulanate, a beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotic combination. Clin Pharm. Thomas VM, Thomas-eapen N. Korean J Fam Med. Millard G. Further experience with augmentin in the treatment of skin infections.

Scott Med J. Blaser M. Antibiotic overuse: Stop the killing of beneficial bacteria. Amoxil , Moxatag amoxicillin dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more. It is classified in a group of medications called macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin works by binding to the bacteria and preventing the bacteria from producing proteins that it needs to survive.

Azithromycin is commonly used to treat bacterial infections like sinus infections, pneumonia, and certain sexually transmitted diseases, to name a few. Amoxicillin is known by its brand name of Amoxil, and it is classified in a group of medications called penicillin or beta-lactam antibiotics.

Amoxicillin works by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls, which kills the bacteria. Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as ear infections, pneumonia, and throat infections, among others.

Although both medications are antibiotics, they have many differences. Continue reading to learn more about azithromycin and amoxicillin. Azithromycin Azithromycin coupons is a macrolide antibiotic, known by its brand name Zithromax.

Zithromax is made by Pfizer. Azithromycin Azithromycin details is commonly prescribed as a tablet, in the form of a Zithromax Z-Pak a six-tablet, 5-day course of azithromycin or Zithromax Tri-Pak a 3-day course of azithromycin.

Used in both adults and children, the dosage varies by indication. Amoxicillin Amoxicillin coupons is a penicillin antibiotic, known by its brand name of Amoxil. However, Amoxil is no longer commercially available, and the medication is only available in the generic form. Amoxicillin is most commonly prescribed as amoxicillin capsules, or in combination with clavulanic acid to prevent resistance as Augmentin.

Amoxicillin Amoxicillin details is commonly used in adults and children, and the dosage varies by indication. However, if you have been taking an antibiotic for several days and you are not feeling any better, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Sign up for azithromycin price alerts and find out when the price changes!

Get price alerts. Azithromycin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in adults and children see list below. It should not be used in patients with pneumonia who have cystic fibrosis, nosocomial hospital-acquired infections, known or suspected bacteremia bacteria in the blood , hospitalized patients, elderly or debilitated patients, or patients with a compromised immune system or asplenia no spleen.

To reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance, azithromycin or amoxicillin should only be used in bacterial infections when determined to be appropriate by your healthcare provider. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC is promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics by helping healthcare providers choose the right antibiotic including the right dose and duration and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. This is called antibiotic stewardship. For example, where is the infection?

What bacteria is causing the infection? As you can see in the list of indications, each antibiotic can treat a wide variety of infections. One study compared a single dose of azithromycin to a day regimen of amoxicillin-clavulanate Augmentin for children with ear infections.

The researchers found both drugs to be effective and well-tolerated. Another study done in Brazil looked at approximately patients with infectious exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study found both drugs to be effective and well-tolerated. If you think you have a bacterial infection, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Generic medications are copies of brand-name medications. They have the same features as brand-name versions, such as dosage, intended use, side effects, and route of administration.

However, generic medications typically cost less than brand-name medications. Therefore, penicillin and the generic versions of amoxicillin are likely cheaper than the brand-name versions of amoxicillin.

Both amoxicillin and penicillin are typically covered by most health insurance plans without a prior authorization.

Brand-name medications, on the other hand, may require a prior authorization. A prior authorization is when your insurance provider requires extra steps before they will pay for your medication. For example, they may ask you to try the generic version first before they will pay for the brand-name drug.

Both amoxicillin and penicillin can cause side effects. Call your doctor if you have any serious side effects when using these drugs. Amoxicillin and penicillin also interact with similar medications. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

The table below lists examples of drugs that most often interact with amoxicillin and penicillin. This can help your doctor prevent possible interactions. Certain medications can make certain health conditions or diseases worse. For example, if you have severe kidney disease, you should talk with your doctor before taking amoxicillin or penicillin.

Also ask your doctor if you can use amoxicillin and penicillin safely if you have severe allergies or asthma. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking the antibiotic and call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin or penicillin can cause severe diarrhea. Sometimes the diarrhea is linked with an infection by a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile C. Symptoms of C. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor right away.

If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room. You can drink alcohol while taking either amoxicillin or penicillin. There are no special precautions against using these drugs with alcohol.