Ampicillin and amoxicillin are both antibiotics that treat a variety of infections. However, there are some differences between the two drugs. Ampicillin is effective against a wider range of bacteria, while amoxicillin is better at penetrating bacterial cells. Ampicillin is also more stable in the presence of stomach acids, while amoxicillin is more likely to cause nausea and vomiting. Overall, though, these two drugs are fairly similar and can be used interchangeably in most cases.
What is Ampicillin?
- Ampicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat certain types of infections caused by bacteria. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Ampicillin is used to treat infections of the ear, nose, throat, nose, bladder, and kidney. It also is used to treat certain types of meningitis (infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Ampicillin is in a class of medications called antibiotics. Antibiotics fight bacteria in the body.
- Ampicillin does not kill viruses that can cause colds or the flu. Ampicillin should not be used to treat any other medical condition unless your doctor tells you to. Ampicillin may be used as part of a combination therapy with other medications for treatment. When Ampicillin is given with other medications, it can help to treat a wider range of infections. Ampicillin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is Amoxicillin?
- Amoxicillin is a member of the drug class penicillin-type antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Amoxicillin is available in generic form and under the brand names Amoxil and Trimox. Amoxicillin oral tablet is a prescription medication that comes as the drug Amoxil. Amoxicillin oral tablet may be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
- You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to amoxicillin or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), carbenicillin (Geocillin), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), penicillin (Beepen-VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen-V, Pen-Vee K, Pfizerpen, V-Cillin K, Veetids), and others. To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease; mononucleosis (also called “mono”); or a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics.
Difference between Ampicillin and Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin and Amoxicillin are both antibiotics that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Ampicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, while Amoxicillin is a member of the aminopenicillin family. Both drugs work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Ampicillin is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Amoxicillin is also effective against these bacteria, as well as some other types of bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae and Helicobacter pylori. Both drugs are generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and diarrhea. Ampicillin and Amoxicillin are both prescription drugs that are available in oral tablet form.
Conclusion
Although both Ampicillin and Amoxicillin are antibiotics, they have different functions. Ampicillin is used to treat a wide range of infections while Amoxicillin is specifically for respiratory tract infections. If you are unsure about which antibiotic to give your patient, it is important to consult with their doctor to make sure they receive the most effective treatment.
