⚖️ Amoxicillin vs Augmentin

Understanding the difference

📋 Quick Comparison

Feature	Amoxicillin	Augmentin
Contents	Amoxicillin only	Amoxicillin + Clavulanate
Strength	Standard	Stronger coverage
First choice for	Ear infections, strep	Resistant infections, sinusitis
Side effects	Fewer GI issues	More diarrhea
Taste	Generally good	Often worse
Cost	Cheaper	More expensive

💊 What's the Difference?

Augmentin = Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid

The clavulanic acid helps amoxicillin work against bacteria that would normally resist it. Think of it as amoxicillin with a "shield" that protects it from bacterial defenses.

💡 Simple analogy:

Amoxicillin is like a soldier. Augmentin is the same soldier wearing armor.

🏥 When Doctors Choose Each

Amoxicillin (first choice for):

First ear infection
Strep throat
Mild pneumonia
First-time infections

Augmentin (used when):

Amoxicillin didn't work
Recurrent ear infections
Severe or complicated sinusitis
Certain skin infections
Child recently took amoxicillin (within 30 days)

⚠️ Side Effects

Augmentin causes more diarrhea than plain amoxicillin due to the clavulanic acid. Tips to reduce it:

Give with food
Use probiotics (2 hours apart from antibiotic)
Keep child well hydrated

🧮 Calculate the Dose

Get accurate dosing for amoxicillin or Augmentin

Go to Calculator