Difference Between Zithromax and Amoxicillin

Zithromax vs Amoxicillin

Zithromax and amoxicillin are both drugs which are classified as antibiotics. Antibiotics act by killing bacteria in our system. We may have taken them when we were hospitalized, but we unknowingly know their mechanism of action and their side effects.

Zithromax is a brand of azithromycin. It is said to be the best-selling antibiotic in the US. It is an azalide under the classification of macrolide antibiotics. It is sold world-wide under different generic and brand names.

Zithromax is mainly used to treat bacteria just like amoxicillin. It is indicated for patients having tonsillitis, ear infections, bronchitis, laryngitis, typhoid, and pneumonia among others. It was also used primarily for infants with a weak immune system. It is also indicated for couples having STD’s or sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and clamydia.

This drug was first discovered in Croatia during 1981 by a group of doctors. It was then patented by different companies for the rest of the countries. It is usually in tablet form but can also be in a liquid suspension. This drug works by inhibiting further bacterial growth by preventing protein synthesis. Common side effects include stomach and digestive upsets, such as, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Amoxicillin, on the other hand, is also an antibiotic. It is classified under penicillins which is a glycopeptide. The mechanism of action is simple. It prevents bacterial growth by destroying the cell wall of these bacteria. It can be taken through a tablet, an oral suspension, or through an IV or injection. Amoxicillin is indicated as well for patients with lung infections, ear infections, and throat infections.

The side effects of amoxicillin may include vomiting, nausea, and rashes. If a patient is allergic to amoxicillin, he or she must be brought immediately to the hospital because the allergy would spread fast in the body.

Summary:

1.

Amoxicillin is classified under glycopeptides while Zithromax is classified under macrolides.
2.

Amoxicillin inhibits bacteria by destroying its cell walls while Zithromax inhibits bacterial growth by preventing protein synthesis.
3.

Both drugs are used for combating infections in different parts of the body.