Difference Between Azithromycin and Amoxicillin

Azithromycin vs Amoxicillin

Both Azithromycin and Amoxicillin are antibiotics that are used to treat a horde of bacterial infections. However, they are effective on different bacteria and on different parts of the body. For this reason, it is very important that you should be aware of the differences. Here is an estimate of the two, based on their indications, dosage, side effects and other factors.
Difference In Indications

1. Your doctor may prescribe amoxicillin for you in case of acute otitis, respiratory tract illnesses or urinary tract infections. Of course, the infection causing pathogen has to be susceptible to the medication. It may also be prescribed for pregnant women who can’t tolerate erythromycin and have a chlamydial infection. It may also be prescribed as a prophylaxis before surgery or a medical procedure.
2.Azithromycin is prescribed for upper respiratory illnesses, skin and soft tissue infections and infections of the genitourinary tract by susceptible bacteria. As in all other infection,the dosage you receive will depend on the exact nature of your illness. For instance, the dosage for pharingitis will vary from the dosage for a skin infection.

Difference In Dosage

1.Amoxicillin may be prescribed in doses of 500 mg every 8 hours for people weighing over 20kgs and having severe infections. They may also be prescribed as doses of 250 mg every 8 hours for less severe infections.
2.Azithromycin should be taken as a single dose every day for a single day or a period of three days or more. The main difference between the two is that azithromycin should be taken at least an hour before food or two hours after a meal.

Differences In Contraindications

1.Amoxicillin is contraindicated in cases where the patient has a reaction to penicillin. The most dangerous part of it is that the patient may go into an anaphylactic shock because of penicillin treatment.
2.Patients with impaired liver functions are usually advised against azithromycin.

Difference In Adverse Effects

1.The adverse effects from amoxicillin include diarrhea, vomiting, gastritis, a black and hairy tongue or pseudo membranous colitis. Patients may also suffer from bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Rarely, it may also result in acute nephritis, anemia and other associated blood disorders.
2.The side effects for Azithromycin are mainly gastrointestinal in nature. Patients may also suffer from urticaria, vasculitis or cardiac arrhythmia.

Summary:
1.  Amoxicillin is prescribed for patients suffering from a range of infections. However, azithromycin is mainly prescribed for skin, soft tissue infections and respiratory infections.
2. There are different dosages for the two. While amoxicillin needs to be taken for at least 5 days, azithromycin may be prescribed as a single dose or for a period extending to 8 days.
3. There are wider contraindications for amoxicillin when compared to azithromycin
4. Amoxicillin may have side effects related to the gastric system, and the kidney. Azithromycin may produce a wide range of adverse effects starting from effects on the gastric system to certain effects on the heart also.

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