Azithromycin vs. Amoxicillin: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 4, 2024
Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic, effective against a variety of bacteria, while Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic used mainly for bacterial infections.
Key Differences
Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, is known for treating a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections. Amoxicillin, on the other hand, is a penicillin-type antibiotic, commonly used for infections like ear, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin.
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Feb 04, 2024
While Azithromycin is effective against certain sexually transmitted infections and respiratory tract infections, Amoxicillin is more frequently used for dental infections and to prevent bacterial endocarditis. Both antibiotics work by stopping the growth of bacteria.
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Feb 04, 2024
Azithromycin is often preferred for its once-daily dosing and shorter treatment courses. Amoxicillin, in contrast, requires multiple doses throughout the day and is often prescribed for longer durations, depending on the infection.
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Regarding side effects, Azithromycin may cause mild to severe digestive issues. Amoxicillin can cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to penicillin and might lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
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Azithromycin's absorption is not significantly affected by food, allowing more flexibility in dosing. Amoxicillin is absorbed faster and more completely when taken on an empty stomach, which can influence how it is administered.
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Feb 04, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Common Use
Respiratory infections, STDs
Ear, nose, throat infections, dental infections
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Azithromycin and Amoxicillin Definitions
Azithromycin
A macrolide antibiotic for bacterial infections.
The doctor prescribed Azithromycin for my bronchitis.
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Jan 17, 2024
Amoxicillin
Commonly used for throat and urinary infections.
Her sore throat was treated with Amoxicillin.
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Azithromycin
Known for its once-daily dosing.
Azithromycin's once-daily dosing makes it convenient.
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Jan 17, 2024
Amoxicillin
A penicillin-type antibiotic for bacterial infections.
Amoxicillin was given for his ear infection.
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Azithromycin
Can treat certain sexually transmitted diseases.
Azithromycin is often prescribed for chlamydia.
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Amoxicillin
Requires multiple daily doses.
He has to take Amoxicillin three times a day.
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Azithromycin
Effective against a variety of bacterial pathogens.
Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections.
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Amoxicillin
Often prescribed for dental infections.
Before dental surgery, she took Amoxicillin.
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Azithromycin
Used in treating respiratory and skin infections.
For her skin infection, Azithromycin was recommended.
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Jan 17, 2024
Amoxicillin
Can be used in combination for H. pylori treatment.
Amoxicillin is part of the regimen to treat H. pylori.
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Jan 17, 2024
Azithromycin
A macrolide antibiotic, C38H72N2O12, used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
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Amoxicillin
A semisynthetic penicillin, C16H19N3O5S, having an antibacterial spectrum of action similar to that of ampicillin.
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Azithromycin
(pharmaceutical drug) A semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic C38H72N2O12 (trademarks Zithromax, Z-PAK) that is derived from erythromycin and is used especially as an antibacterial agent.
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Jan 15, 2024
Amoxicillin
(pharmaceutical drug) A moderate-spectrum, bacteriolytic beta-lactam antibiotic C16H19N3O5S closely related to ampicillin and with similar properties, but more readily absorbed when taken orally. It is used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible microorganisms.
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Amoxicillin
An antibiotic; a semisynthetic oral penicillin (trade names Amoxil and Larotid and Polymox and Trimox and Augmentin) used to treat bacterial infections
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How often should Azithromycin be taken?
Typically once daily for a short duration.
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What is Azithromycin?
An antibiotic effective against various bacterial infections.
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Is Amoxicillin safe for children?
Yes, when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
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What is Amoxicillin used for?
Mainly for ear, nose, throat, and dental infections.
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Can I take Amoxicillin for a viral infection?
No, it's ineffective against viruses.
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Is Amoxicillin effective against all bacteria?
No, some bacteria are resistant.
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Can Amoxicillin be used during pregnancy?
It's generally considered safe, but consult a doctor.
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Can Azithromycin treat urinary tract infections?
Yes, it can be used for certain urinary tract infections.
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Is Azithromycin effective against pneumonia?
Yes, it's often used to treat pneumonia.
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Does Azithromycin interact with other medications?
Yes, it can interact with certain drugs.
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Can Azithromycin treat ear infections?
Yes, it's effective for certain ear infections.
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Can Amoxicillin cause allergies?
Yes, especially in those allergic to penicillin.
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How does Azithromycin work?
It stops bacterial growth by interfering with protein synthesis.
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How long does it take for Amoxicillin to work?
Symptoms usually improve within a few days.
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Should Amoxicillin be taken with food?
It's best absorbed on an empty stomach.
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Can Azithromycin treat skin infections?
Yes, it's effective against certain skin infections.
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Feb 04, 2024
Is Azithromycin a strong antibiotic?
It's a broad-spectrum antibiotic, effective against various bacteria.
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What's the difference between Azithromycin and Amoxicillin?
They belong to different antibiotic classes and have different uses.
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Feb 04, 2024
Can Amoxicillin treat sexually transmitted infections?
It's not typically used for STDs, except in specific cases.
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Feb 04, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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