When a person is infected with bacteria, they usually need to take antibiotics for treatment. Before using these antibiotics, they need to get a consultation from a doctor in advance because some conditions in humans are not necessary for antibiotics in treatment. Find out the difference between Augmentin and Amoxicillin in this article!
Amoxicillin
This medication is an antibiotic that is widely used in the treatment of certain bacterial infections and requires a prescription from a qualified physician. Sometimes these antibiotics need to combine with other drugs to have a more effective function in humans to eliminate bacteria in the body.
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the group of penicillin, it works by stopping the formation and growth of bacteria. This medication is only effective on bacteria but not on viral infections. Using this medicine in unnecessary conditions will affect the effectiveness of the antibiotics in the future if your body is infected with the bacteria.
This antibiotic can be taken orally after meals as directed by the doctor who is treating you. The dose for each individual varies according to the level of severity and the type of symptoms experienced by a person. For a better effect, you are encouraged to take this medicine at the same time every day.
As a reminder, you are advised to consume all the antibiotics that are prescribed by your doctor. Failing to consume antibiotics and stop taking them too early will cause the bacteria to regrow and the infection will recur.
In addition, you should inform the doctor who is treating you if the symptoms of the infection persist and worsen after finishing taking antibiotics. This is important for assessment purposes in helping you to treat a bacterial infection.
Augmentin
Augmentin is an antibiotic drug produced from a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. The combination of these two active ingredients will be more effective than the effect of amoxicillin if given alone. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin group that is used to fight against bacterial infections and stop the growth of bacteria in the human body. Potassium clavulanate is a beta lactamase inhibitor that works to prevent some bacteria from becoming resistant to amoxicillin.
Uses
These two types of antibiotics have similarities in their function to treat bacterial infections. However, Augmentin is usually used to treat bacterial infections which are more powerful and more resistant to Amoxicillin. In addition, Augmentin may also be used in individuals who are having recurrent bacterial infections. Among the uses of antibiotics that you need to know:
| Amoxicillin | Augmentin |
| ● Ear infections
● Strep throat ● Pneumonia ● Bronchitis ● Tonsillitis ● Urinary tract infections ● Helicobacter pylori infections ● Sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia) ● Skin infections |
● Sinus infections
● Laryngitis ● Pharyngitis ● Severe skin infections (abscess, erysipelas) ● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ● Chronic ear infections |
Side Effects
As you know, each medicine has its own side effects and usually it varies for each individual. Since both types of medication contain amoxicillin, the side effects are also the same:
| Amoxicillin
Augmentin |
Additional Side Effects for Augmentin |
| ● Abdominal pain
● Heartburn ● Nausea and vomiting ● Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea ● Allergic reactions: Rashes, swelling of the face, mouth and throat, difficulty in breathing ● Increase the risk of fungal infections
|
● Bloating
● Gas ● Headache |
Conclusion
When you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned above, you are advised to see a doctor to undergo an examination for further evaluation. This is very important to prevent complications from getting worse and endangering yourself.
