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.

Comparison table

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.

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