Is azithromycin stronger than amoxicillin?

Antibiotics are meds administered for the treatment of bacterial infections. Macrolides are a sub-genre of antibiotics that treat certain types of infections. Azithromycin is a commonly prescribed med. It has the clearance of US-based food and drug administration (FDA). It is known to be effective against bacteria causing respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), skin conditions caused by Streptococcus family of bacteria, tonsil infections, etc. Is azithromycin stronger than amoxicillin? It is a safe thing to know more in this regard.

Antibiotics are known for their capability to stop bacterial progression. These meds are used for prevention as well as treatment of infectious conditions. However, these meds have limited / no capabilities to fight viral or fungi-induced infections. Use of these meds for non-bacterial infections can lead to internal resistance against antibacterial drugs.

In this milieu, what is azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It is used for treating conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, inner ear problems, a few sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as skin conditions. It is not used for the treatment of flu, common colds, viral fever and other such infections. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe paxlovid. You are advised to talk to your caregiver to know more about the differences between paxlovid and azithromycin.

Azithromycin is available as an oral pill, extended-release or long action suspension and also as a syrup. You can take it either before or after a meal. However, its extended-release version is always consumed 60 minutes (an hour) prior to a meal or 120 minutes (1.5 to 2 hours) after having food.

What is amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic med based on penicillin. It is taken for stopping nasal infections, infections of your urinary channel, COPD such as bronchitis as well as lung infections. In combination with meds like clarithromycin, it is taken to treat gastric infections caused by H. pylori.

Those who are allergic to drugs such as cephalosporins or meds like ampicillin and oxacillin must tell their doctor prior to starting their dosage plan. As amoxicillin can reduce the efficacy of contraceptive pills, it is a safe practice to tell your doctor of such medication plans, if any.

Is azithromycin stronger than amoxicillin?

Azithromycin is a macrolide while amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. Hence, these two meds belong to two (2) distinct sub-clauses of antibacterial drugs. Both these drugs have the approval of FDA for treating microbial infections caused by select strands of bacteria.

Comparative studies done on these two drugs indicate that azithromycin is effective than its counterpart. These studies show that more percentage of users benefitted with a complete cure by using azithromycin. A lesser percentage of those who used amoxicillin witnessed a complete remedy.

Moreover, azithromycin is known to take lesser time to bring about needful remedy among its users. Since response time is relatively longer for amoxicillin, you may need to take it for a few more days.

General safety aspects to be considered while taking antibiotics

Antibiotic meds are considered safe as they fight infections. These meds are well-tolerated by almost most age groups. You are advised to use these drugs as per the instructions of your treating physician. It is unsafe to share these meds with others i.e., if you witness the same signs as you are experiencing. In this light, it is vital thing to remember no two individuals will have the same intensity of infections and similar causes for the underlying infection. So, sharing of meds can lead to near-fatal or fatal outcomes.

It can be unsafe to take antibiotics like azithromycin or amoxicillin without proper medical supervision. You will need to produce a prescription from a healthcare practitioner to buy either of these meds. If you want to know more about this topic i.e., is azithromycin stronger than amoxicillin? – it is highly recommended to talk to your caregiving team or your pharmacist.

Disclaimer

Information provided here is only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website does not suggest that intake of this drug is safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.