Azithromycin vs Amoxicillin

Description

Talking about antibiotics, the first one that comes to your mind is which one?  Both Azithromycin and amoxicillin are  broad-spectrum antibiotics, which means they treat a wide range of infections, but azithromycin treats a longer list than amoxicillin. They can effectively treat pneumonia, respiratory infections, ear infections, pneumonia, and skin infections.

Azithromycin

Azithromycin is commonly called a Z-pak ( Zithromax Z-Pak) which is commonly prescribed. Brand names of azithromycin include Zithromax, Zithromax Tri-Pak, Zithromax Z-Pak, and Zmax. This drug is a macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin and clarithromycin. Azithromycin works by binding to the bacteria and preventing the bacteria from producing proteins that it needs to survive[1]. Azithromycin is commonly used to treat bacterial infections like sinus infections, pneumonia, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.

Amoxicillin

While both amoxicillin and azithromycin are antibiotics, they are in different classes of antibiotics. Amoxicillin is classified in a group of medications called penicillin (or beta-lactam) antibiotics. Brand names of amoxicillin include Moxatag and Amoxil. This drug works by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls, which kills the bacteria. Amoxicillin is most commonly prescribed as amoxicillin capsules, or as a combination drug that also contains clavulanic acid (to prevent resistance) as Augmentin. Amoxicillin is commonly used in adults and children, and the dosage varies by indication.

Which one is more effective?

Amoxicillin is often the first choice for treating bacterial infections, but some research indicates that azithromycin may be more effective. One reason for this is that it meets less bacteria resistance. However, we should look at what the drug is being used to treat when considering which drug is more effective[2]. People who have liver disease or are on anticoagulant medications must use caution when taking azithromycin because it increases the risk of bleeding, and people who are severely allergic to penicillin should not take amoxicillin. While amoxicillin rarely interacts with other drugs, azithromycin can't be taken with magnesium or aluminum-based antacids because they will prevent it from being properly absorbed.

References

[1] Gallo, Michael, et al. "Pregnancy outcome following gestational exposure to azithromycin." Archives of Internal Medicine 160.20(2006).

[2] Dagan, Ron, et al. "Bacteriologic and clinical efficacy of amoxicillin/clavulanate vs. azithromycin in acute otitis media. " Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 19.2(2000):95-104.