Antibiotic drugs are chiefly meds with antimicrobial capabilities; such meds are taken for managing infections triggered by bacteria. These meds however have limited / no effect on infections of other forms of organisms other than bacterial strands. Hence, intake of antibiotic medications to treat fungi or virus-triggered conditions cannot bring about needful remedy. Popular antibiotics include azithromycin, amoxicillin, etc. Azithromycin versus amoxicillin – which is stronger? It is a vital thing to know which drug is strong, prior to consumption.
Antibiotic medications are widely given to treat different types of infections namely infections inside the gastric tract, ocular (eye) infections, skin infections, some lung conditions, sexually transmitted infections, etc. Users who took antibacterial drugs without an infectious condition may soon turn microbes resistant to such meds i.e., bacteria may learn how to evade active ingredients.
Drugs that belong to antibiotics genre are widely used; nearly 197 million (or perhaps more) prescriptions are written each year in the US. Though most of antibiotics are procured based on a prescription of a qualified medical practitioner, a few meds may be bought as over the counter (OTC) drugs.
In this light, what is azithromycin?
This medication is a widely prescribed antibiotic. It has chemicals that can inhibit the further spread of bacterial growth, and thus help stop infections unchecked growth causes. Caregivers write prescriptions of azithromycin to control and treat infections such as eye conditions – for example, red-coloration of eyes, a few skin problems, respiratory infections, etc.
What is amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is one of the highly-prescribed antibiotics; used for treating infections in your ears, gastric tract (mainly infections of Helicobacter pylori – H. pylori) as well as for respiratory conditions such as pneumonia. Active chemicals of amoxicillin reach your blood with ease as can stand the properties of acids in the stomach.
Azithromycin versus amoxicillin – which is stronger?
Effectiveness of these two antibiotics can vary based on the type of infection, kind of bacteria that caused the condition, your age, prior ailments – if any, other drugs you are currently taking, etc. In general, amoxicillin has a slower rate of response i.e., when compared with fellow drugs of this genre. Moreover, amoxicillin is never or seldom used for eye infections / ocular conditions.
A few studies show that users who took azithromycin reported a complete (and a quicker) cure than those who consumed amoxicillin. In general, doses of azithromycin are taken for a shorter timespan (of say, 2- 3 days) while amoxicillin needs about 7 – 8 days of doses for treatment.
Caregivers tend to consider the dosage plan of azithromycin as relatively simple (than amoxicillin), and is also effective among these two drugs. Also, the side effects azithromycin causes are lesser than those of amoxicillin.
Common side effects of azithromycin are migraine, discharge of watery stools, loss of appetite, nausea and a few other abdominal problems. In case of amoxicillin, side effects this drug triggers include – allergies like rashes, inflammation, etc., indigestion, nausea as well as diarrhea.
In some cases, you may notice side effects like difficulties to pass stools. This is linked to the intake of antibiotics; constipation shows up as antibacterial meds are known to alter the bacterial count inside your digestive system. In those instances, your treating doctor may tell you to take a laxative or a stool softening agent.
Caveat: though you can buy stool softening agents as an over the counter (OTC) med, regular use of laxatives may turn it into a habit. As a natural alternative, you can take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt, etc. to correct imbalance of bacterial count in your gastric system.
Last but not least, to get more details about azithromycin versus amoxicillin – which is stronger, you are advised to consult with your caregiving team.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.