Difference between Penicillin and Amoxicillin
Penicillin and amoxicillin are antibotics, compounds that stop and destroy bacteria. In fact, penicillin is a precursor to amoxicillin and, in turn, both antibiotics are derived from a fungus called benzylpenicillin . The discovery of penicillin’s effect on bacteria led to a revolution in medical treatment and the development of dozens of other antibiotics, including amoxicillin, which is a cheaper antibiotic that treats a broader spectrum of Gram-positive bacteria and is less likely to cause allergic reactions.
As for amoxicillin, it was originally patented and sold under the trade name Amoxil . As soon as the patent expired, many other patentable amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combinations were developed, including the well-known Augmentin , which is no longer on patent. It is worth mentioning that derivatives of amoxicillin are very common and are found under numerous names.
Amoxicillin |
penicillin |
|
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | As for amoxicillin, this is a penicillin-based antibiotic that attacks the structure of the cell walls of bacteria. It doesn’t work on viruses. | In the same way, it is an antibiotic, but it is based on benzylpenicillin, which attacks the structure of the cell walls of bacteria. It doesn’t work on viruses. |
| chemical origin | Penam structure of penicillin. | benzylpenicillin. |
| What does it treat? | A broader spectrum of Gram positive bacteria. | Rather, it attacks only a limited number of Gram-positive bacteria. |
| Can it cause allergic reactions? | Yes, but it is less likely to cause them than penicillin. | Yes. |
| Common Side Effects | • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Headaches. • White patches inside the mouth or throat (thrush). • Swollen, black or “hairy” tongue. • Vaginal itching or discharge indicative of a vaginal infection. |
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Headaches. • White patches inside the mouth or throat (thrush). • Swollen, black or “hairy” tongue. • Vaginal itching or discharge indicative of a vaginal infection. |
| serious side effects | • Watery or bloody diarrhea.
• Bleeding or easy bruising. • Yellowing of the eyes or skin. • Frequent cough or trouble breathing. • Severe skin rashes, including itching and peeling. • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, swollen glands, and body aches. • Confusion, agitation, behavior changes. • Severe tingling, numbness, or weakness. • Decrease in the amount of urine or lack of urine. • Seizures or epileptic seizures that can lead to fainting. |
• Watery or bloody diarrhea.
• Bleeding or easy bruising. • Yellowing of the eyes or skin. • Frequent cough or trouble breathing. • Severe skin rashes, including itching and peeling. • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, swollen glands, and body aches. • Confusion, agitation, behavior changes. • Severe tingling, numbness, or weakness. • Decrease in the amount of urine or lack of urine. • Seizures or epileptic seizures that can lead to fainting. |
| Interactions with other medications | Interferes with oral contraceptives; methotrexate; probenecid; due to allergy risk, any other medication (supplements, herbal remedies, etc.) should be mentioned before treatment. | Interferes with oral contraceptives; methotrexate; probenecid; due to allergy risk, any other medication (supplements, herbal remedies, etc.) should be mentioned before treatment. |
| Is it safe during pregnancy? | Yes, it is category B. | It is also category B. |
| Is its consumption safe during lactation? | No. | It is also not recommended for use during lactation. |
| Is it safe for children? | Yes, especially in those over 5 years of age, under medical supervision. | Yes, for those over 10 years old, always under medical supervision. |
| cost | Tablets (30, 500 mg each): $4.00-$12.79 | Tablets (40, 500 mg each): $10.00-$37.20. |
