Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin
See how Amoxicillin and Augmentin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Augmentin combines amoxicillin with clavulanate, letting it treat bacteria that have become resistant to amoxicillin alone.
Amoxicillin causes less diarrhea and costs far less, making it the first choice when bacteria are known to be susceptible.
Both drugs treat overlapping infections, but Augmentin is FDA-approved for otitis media and sinusitis, while amoxicillin covers gonorrhea and H. pylori.
Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin Drug Summary
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an aminopenicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, lungs, skin, and urinary tract. It has been prescribed since 1974 and is taken orally as a capsule, tablet, chewable, or liquid suspension, usually two to three times a day.
Augmentin
Augmentin combines amoxicillin with clavulanate, a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps it overcome certain resistant bacteria. It treats infections like otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, and skin infections, and is taken orally as a tablet, chewable, or liquid suspension, usually twice a day.
Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin Side Effects
Amoxicillin
Augmentin
Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin Dosage
Amoxicillin
Augmentin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg every 8 hours | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 1 g three times daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg/125 mg every 8 hrs | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2000 mg/125 mg every 12 hrs | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Amoxicillin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg every 8 hours | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 1 g three times daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Augmentin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg/125 mg every 8 hrs | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2000 mg/125 mg every 12 hrs | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin Indications
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is FDA-approved for a range of bacterial infections, including ear, nose, and throat infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and H. pylori eradication as part of combination therapy. It has no effect on viral infections and should be avoided in patients with mononucleosis due to a high risk of rash.
Ear, nose, and throat infections
Lower respiratory tract infections
Skin and skin structure infections
Urinary tract infections
Gonorrhea and H. pylori eradication
Augmentin
Augmentin is FDA-approved for lower respiratory tract infections, acute bacterial otitis media, acute bacterial sinusitis, skin infections, and urinary tract infections, with an extended-release version approved for community-acquired pneumonia. The added clavulanate makes it effective against bacteria that produce beta-lactamase, an enzyme that can inactivate amoxicillin alone.
Acute bacterial otitis media
Acute bacterial sinusitis
Lower respiratory tract infections
Skin and skin structure infections
Community-acquired pneumonia (XR)
Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin Pros and Cons
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin has a long safety record, fewer gastrointestinal side effects, and a much lower cost than Augmentin. It cannot overcome bacteria that produce beta-lactamase, so it may fail against certain resistant strains.
Pros
Lower rate of diarrhea and GI upset
Typically $11 to $25 per month as a generic
Long safety record dating back to 1974
Cons
Ineffective against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria
Not FDA-approved specifically for otitis media or sinusitis
May require higher doses for resistant infections
Augmentin
Augmentin's clavulanate component extends coverage to resistant bacteria that amoxicillin alone cannot treat, but this comes with more diarrhea and a real risk of liver toxicity. It typically costs substantially more than amoxicillin.
Pros
Covers beta-lactamase-producing resistant bacteria
FDA-approved specifically for otitis media and sinusitis
Available in extended-release form for pneumonia
Cons
Higher rate of diarrhea (up to 9%)
Risk of cholestatic jaundice and liver injury
Typically $80 to $150 per month, costlier than amoxicillin
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