Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding AntibioticsWhat Is Azithromycin?What Is Amoxicillin?Dosing GuidelinesEfficacySide EffectsInteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding Antibiotics
What Is Azithromycin?
What Is Amoxicillin?
Dosing Guidelines
Efficacy
Side Effects
Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Azithromycinandamoxicillinare commonly prescribedantibioticsused to treat variousbacterial infections, such aspneumonia,bronchitis, orurinary tract infections (UTIs).
While azithromycin and amoxicillin are antibiotics, they are classified as different types of antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics vs. penicillin-like antibiotics, respectively.
Furthermore, they differ in the infections they treat, side effects, and drug interactions.
Continue reading to learn more about azithromycin vs. amoxicillin.
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Further examples of bacterial infections includestrep throatand ear infections. Antibiotics do not treatviral infectionssuch as thecommon cold, theflu, orCOVID-19.
Azithromycin is classified as a macrolide antibiotic that prevents bacterial infections from spreading inside the body.
FDA-Approved Uses
It can also be used to treat or prevent a type of lung infection associated withhuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)calledMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC)infection.
Off-Label Uses
Off-label prescribing is when a medication is used in a way or for a purpose for which it was not originally FDA-approved.
Healthcare providers may prescribe higher doses of azithromycin than FDA-approved. In both cases, these would be examples of off-label uses.
Other examples of off-label azithromycin use include but are not limited to:
Forms of Administration
Azithromycin is available in various dosage forms, including:
Amoxicillin is known in its brand-name product form, Amoxil, although most forms are only available as generic products (no brand-name affiliation).
The FDA has approved amoxicillin to treat certain bacterial infections, including:
Amoxicillin is also prescribed along with other medications to treatHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori), a bacteria that causesulcers(sores on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine).
Some examples of off-label amoxicillin prescribing include but are not limited to:
Amoxicillin is available in various dosage forms, including:
Amoxicillin in Other Products
While this article focuses on single-ingredient amoxicillin, amoxicillin is also an ingredient in other medications, such as:
General dosing guidelines for each medication follow.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin can be taken with or without food.
This drug can be given to adults and children, with dosing in children based on the infection type and the child’s weight.
Always use a medicinal measuring device when measuring the liquid medication.
For adults, the dose depends on the type of infection:
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food.
This drug can be given to adults and children. Dosing in children depends on infection type and the child’s weight.
Always use a medicinal measuring device, such as a medicine spoon or cup, when measuring the liquid suspension form of administration.
For adults, the dose depends on the type of infection, as follows:
The length of treatment is usually anywhere from five to 14 days but could be longer in some cases.
Why Do I Need to Finish My Antibiotics?
When taking an antibiotic, it is crucial to finish the entire course of the prescription, even if you start to feel better after a few days.
Take your antibiotic as prescribed, and do not skip doses.
Finishing your antibiotic helps ensure the infection is completely cleared and helps preventantibiotic resistance.
This occurs when antibiotics are no longer effective against the bacteria they were created to kill.
Which Is More Effective?
Studies have found azithromycin and amoxicillin to be similarly effective and well-tolerated.
One review of many studies found that of the two, azithromycin may be safer and better tolerated in children with ear infections.
However, because both drugs are considered safe and effective, and because there are many factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate antibiotic, your healthcare provider will decide which antibiotic is best for your bacterial infection.
Side Effects and Safety
Although side effects vary slightly, there are a few potentially severe side effects to note that can apply to either antibiotic, including:
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or a loved one experiences severe side effects.
Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you or a loved one are experiencing a medical emergency.
The section below will outline the common and severe side effects that azithromycin or amoxicillin may cause.
Common side effects of azithromycin may include:
Severe side effects of azithromycin may include:
Common side effects of amoxicillin may include:
Severe side effects of amoxicillin may include:
Potential for Interaction
Before taking an antibiotic, ensure your healthcare provider knows if you are allergic to any medications.
Also, make sure your provider knows about all the medications you take, including:
Azithromycin-Specific Interactions
Examples of medications that may interact with azithromycin include:
Amoxicillin-Specific Interactions
Examples of medications that may interact with amoxicillin include:
Summary
Azithromycin and amoxicillin are different types of antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics vs. penicillin-like antibiotics, respectively.
They differ in the infections they treat, side effects, and drug interactions.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about each medication and medical advice about the appropriate prescription.
For pill forms of each medication, such as capsules or tablets, you will store your medicine at room temperature (68-77 degrees F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture.Keep all medications out of reach and sight of children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.Generally, azithromycin liquid is stored at room temperature, while many forms of amoxicillin can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.However, always check with your pharmacist regarding storage and disposal instructions for your prescription.
For pill forms of each medication, such as capsules or tablets, you will store your medicine at room temperature (68-77 degrees F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture.
Keep all medications out of reach and sight of children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Generally, azithromycin liquid is stored at room temperature, while many forms of amoxicillin can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
However, always check with your pharmacist regarding storage and disposal instructions for your prescription.
According to Planned Parenthood,Rifadin (rifampin)is the only antibiotic that can interact with birth control.
Ask your healthcare provider if the antibiotic interacts with your method of birth control.
In some cases, your provider may recommend using an effective form of backup birth control (such as condoms) while taking an antibiotic and for some time after you finish taking the antibiotic.
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19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Azithromycin.MedlinePlus.Amoxicillin.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic use questions and answers.MedlinePlus.Antibiotics.DailyMed.Label: Zithromax- azithromycin dihydrate tablet, film coated Zithromax- azithromycin dihydrate powder, for suspension.Food and Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label”.Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Zithromax.Evans JR, Solomon AW, Kumar R, et al.Antibiotics for trachoma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;9(9):CD001860. 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001860.pub4Uzun S, Djamin RS, Kluytmans JA, et al.Azithromycin maintenance treatment in patients with frequent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COLUMBUS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Lancet Respir Med. 2014;2(5):361-368. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(14)70019-0DailyMed.Label: Amoxil- amoxicillin powder, for suspension.Valour F, Sénéchal A, Dupieux C, et al.Actinomycosis: etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and management.Infect Drug Resist. 2014;7:183-197. 2014. doi:10.2147/IDR.S39601Thabit AK, Fatani DF, Bamakhrama MS, et al.Antibiotic penetration into bone and joints: An updated review.Int J Infect Dis. 2019;81:128-136. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2019.02.005Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Amoxicillin capsules, for oral suspension, and tablets (chewable).DailyMed.Label: Talicia- omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin capsule, delayed release.MedlinePlus.Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.Food and Drug Administration.Combating antibiotic resistance.Block SL, Arrieta A, Seibel M, et al.Single-dose (30 mg/kg) azithromycin compared with 10-day amoxicillin/clavulanate for the treatment of uncomplicated acute otitis media: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2003;64:30-42. doi:10.1016/j.curtheres.2003.09.006Dawit G, Mequanent S, Makonnen E.Efficacy and safety of azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate for otitis media in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2021;20(1):28. doi:10.1186/s12941-021-00434-xPlanned Parenthood.Can antibiotics affect my birth control?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Azithromycin.MedlinePlus.Amoxicillin.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic use questions and answers.MedlinePlus.Antibiotics.DailyMed.Label: Zithromax- azithromycin dihydrate tablet, film coated Zithromax- azithromycin dihydrate powder, for suspension.Food and Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label”.Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Zithromax.Evans JR, Solomon AW, Kumar R, et al.Antibiotics for trachoma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;9(9):CD001860. 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001860.pub4Uzun S, Djamin RS, Kluytmans JA, et al.Azithromycin maintenance treatment in patients with frequent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COLUMBUS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Lancet Respir Med. 2014;2(5):361-368. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(14)70019-0DailyMed.Label: Amoxil- amoxicillin powder, for suspension.Valour F, Sénéchal A, Dupieux C, et al.Actinomycosis: etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and management.Infect Drug Resist. 2014;7:183-197. 2014. doi:10.2147/IDR.S39601Thabit AK, Fatani DF, Bamakhrama MS, et al.Antibiotic penetration into bone and joints: An updated review.Int J Infect Dis. 2019;81:128-136. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2019.02.005Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Amoxicillin capsules, for oral suspension, and tablets (chewable).DailyMed.Label: Talicia- omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin capsule, delayed release.MedlinePlus.Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.Food and Drug Administration.Combating antibiotic resistance.Block SL, Arrieta A, Seibel M, et al.Single-dose (30 mg/kg) azithromycin compared with 10-day amoxicillin/clavulanate for the treatment of uncomplicated acute otitis media: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2003;64:30-42. doi:10.1016/j.curtheres.2003.09.006Dawit G, Mequanent S, Makonnen E.Efficacy and safety of azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate for otitis media in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2021;20(1):28. doi:10.1186/s12941-021-00434-xPlanned Parenthood.Can antibiotics affect my birth control?
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MedlinePlus.Amoxicillin.
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MedlinePlus.Antibiotics.
DailyMed.Label: Zithromax- azithromycin dihydrate tablet, film coated Zithromax- azithromycin dihydrate powder, for suspension.
Food and Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label”.
Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Zithromax.
Evans JR, Solomon AW, Kumar R, et al.Antibiotics for trachoma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;9(9):CD001860. 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001860.pub4
Uzun S, Djamin RS, Kluytmans JA, et al.Azithromycin maintenance treatment in patients with frequent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COLUMBUS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Lancet Respir Med. 2014;2(5):361-368. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(14)70019-0
DailyMed.Label: Amoxil- amoxicillin powder, for suspension.
Valour F, Sénéchal A, Dupieux C, et al.Actinomycosis: etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and management.Infect Drug Resist. 2014;7:183-197. 2014. doi:10.2147/IDR.S39601
Thabit AK, Fatani DF, Bamakhrama MS, et al.Antibiotic penetration into bone and joints: An updated review.Int J Infect Dis. 2019;81:128-136. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2019.02.005
Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Amoxicillin capsules, for oral suspension, and tablets (chewable).
DailyMed.Label: Talicia- omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin capsule, delayed release.
MedlinePlus.Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
Food and Drug Administration.Combating antibiotic resistance.
Block SL, Arrieta A, Seibel M, et al.Single-dose (30 mg/kg) azithromycin compared with 10-day amoxicillin/clavulanate for the treatment of uncomplicated acute otitis media: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2003;64:30-42. doi:10.1016/j.curtheres.2003.09.006
Dawit G, Mequanent S, Makonnen E.Efficacy and safety of azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate for otitis media in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2021;20(1):28. doi:10.1186/s12941-021-00434-x
Planned Parenthood.Can antibiotics affect my birth control?
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