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

Most common
Vomiting (greater than 1%)
Nausea (greater than 1%)
Diarrhea (greater than 1%)
Rash (greater than 1%)

Augmentin

Most common
Vomiting (up to 1%)
Nausea (up to 3%)
Diarrhea/loose stools (9%)
Skin rash/urticaria (up to 3%)

Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin Dosage

Amoxicillin

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.