Augmentin vs. Bactrim
See how Augmentin and Bactrim compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Augmentin and Bactrim treat mostly different infections, so the right choice depends on the specific bacteria being targeted, not personal preference.
Augmentin is a penicillin-based antibiotic while Bactrim is a sulfa-based combination, so someone allergic to one may still be able to take the other.
Bactrim is far less expensive than Augmentin but carries a higher risk of severe skin reactions and cannot be used in pregnancy or very young infants.
Augmentin vs. Bactrim Drug Summary
Augmentin
Augmentin combines amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic, with clavulanate, which blocks the bacterial enzymes that would otherwise destroy amoxicillin. It treats common infections like sinusitis, ear infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. It is taken by mouth every 8 or 12 hours depending on the strength prescribed.
Bactrim
Bactrim combines sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, two drugs that block sequential steps in bacterial folate production. It treats urinary tract infections, traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis pneumonia, and is also used off-label for MRSA skin infections. It is taken by mouth, usually twice a day.
Augmentin vs. Bactrim Side Effects
Augmentin
Bactrim
Augmentin vs. Bactrim Dosage
Augmentin
Bactrim
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 800 mg/160 mg every 12h | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 8-10 mg/kg/day q6-12h | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 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 |
Bactrim
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 800 mg/160 mg every 12h | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 8-10 mg/kg/day q6-12h | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Augmentin vs. Bactrim Indications
Augmentin
Augmentin is FDA-approved for common bacterial infections including sinusitis, ear infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. It works against many bacteria that have become resistant to plain amoxicillin because clavulanate disables the enzyme they use to survive. It should not be used by anyone with a history of penicillin anaphylaxis.
Lower respiratory tract infections
Acute bacterial otitis media
Acute bacterial sinusitis
Skin and skin structure infections
Urinary tract infections
Bactrim
Bactrim is FDA-approved for urinary tract infections, traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis, and Pneumocystis pneumonia, often in patients with HIV or other immune conditions. It is also used off-label for MRSA skin infections, though this is not an FDA-approved use. It should be avoided in infants under two months old and during pregnancy.
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Acute otitis media in children
Urinary tract infections
Shigellosis
Traveler's diarrhea
Augmentin vs. Bactrim Pros and Cons
Augmentin
Augmentin covers a broad range of common bacterial infections and is generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal upset being the main complaint. It costs more out of pocket than Bactrim and carries a small risk of liver-related side effects that Bactrim does not share.
Pros
Effective against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria
Available as chewable tablets for children
No boxed warning for severe skin reactions
Considered safe during pregnancy in most cases
Cons
Not an option for people with penicillin allergy
Higher list price, roughly $80 to $150 a month without insurance
Can cause hepatotoxicity in rare cases
Taken 2 to 3 times daily depending on strength
Bactrim
Bactrim is one of the least expensive commonly prescribed antibiotics and covers infections Augmentin does not treat, including Pneumocystis pneumonia. It carries a higher risk of serious skin reactions and is not an option during pregnancy or in very young infants.
Pros
Much lower list price, roughly $10 to $30 a month without insurance
Covers Pneumocystis pneumonia, which Augmentin does not treat
Taken just twice a day
Useful off-label for MRSA skin infections
Cons
Risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Contraindicated in infants under 2 months old
Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Risk of hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient patients
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
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