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Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as chest infections and dental abscesses. Amoxil contains amoxicillin alone, while Augmentin pairs it with clavulanic acid.

Amoxil

Bacterial Infections

250mg · 500mg

Amoxicillin tablets for bacterial infections and Helicobacter pylori. As a penicillin-type antibiotic, it is not suitable for anyone with a penicillin allergy.

From$0.63/ tabletView

Augmentin

Bacterial Infections, Sinusitis, Otitis Media

250mg + 125mg · 500mg + 125mg · 875mg + 125mg

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid tablets for bacterial infections. Clavulanic acid protects amoxicillin from being broken down by resistant bacteria.

From$1.51/ tabletView

Key points

  • Amoxicillin is not suitable if you have had a serious allergic reaction to it or to another penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.
  • It kills bacteria by blocking the construction of their cell wall, so it works only against infections caused by susceptible organisms.
  • Augmentin adds clavulanic acid to protect amoxicillin from beta-lactamase enzymes, extending its reach to bacteria that would otherwise break it down.

Common questions about Amoxicillin

Why does Augmentin list three strengths while Amoxil has two?

Amoxil is listed at 250 mg and 500 mg. Augmentin runs from 250 mg + 125 mg up to 875 mg + 125 mg, adding a higher amoxicillin dose that the single-ingredient product does not carry.

What infections does each product cover?

Amoxil is listed for Bacterial Infections and Helicobacter Pylori Infection, the stomach bacterium linked to ulcers. Augmentin is listed for bacterial infections, sinusitis and otitis media. Both fall under Antibiotics.

Further reading