Amoxicillin (Amoxil) alternatives: What can I take instead of amoxicillin?

In this article:

• Amoxicillin alternatives
• Augmentin
• Cephalexin
• Cefdinir
• Zithromax
• Vibramycin
• OTC alternatives
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch
• Choosing the right treatment

In this article

• Amoxicillin alternatives
• Augmentin
• Cephalexin
• Cefdinir
• Zithromax
• Vibramycin
• OTC alternatives
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch
• Choosing the right treatment

Amoxicillin is a commonly used prescription antibiotic that treats a wide range of bacterial infections, including skin infections, middle ear infections, sinus infections, throat infections (pharyngitis), urinary tract infections (UTIs), community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis, and others. Still, amoxicillin may not be the right medication for any number of reasons, including antibiotic resistance, drug allergies, the type of infection, or drug interactions. Healthcare providers, though, have a wide variety of antibiotics across a spectrum of drug classes that can treat the same bacterial infections as amoxicillin. 

What can I take instead of amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. Other class members could be considered if amoxicillin is unavailable, including penicillin itself. Unfortunately, penicillins don’t always work because bacteria can be resistant to beta-lactam, the part of the penicillin molecule that kills bacteria. In those cases, the usual alternative to amoxicillin is a single medication containing two antibiotics: amoxicillin with clavulanate, which neutralizes bacterial resistance.

Penicillins have a long and celebrated role in medicine, but many people can’t use them due to a drug allergy. In these cases, cephalosporin antibiotics may be an option if the allergic reaction is only a rash. You can identify cephalosporins because their names all begin with ceph- or cef-.

Aside from cephalosporins, the most commonly used substitutes for amoxicillin are macrolide antibiotics (drugs that end in –mycin), tetracycline antibiotics (drugs that end in –cycline), or sulfonamide antibiotics (drugs that start with sulfa). Quinolone antibiotics (drugs that end in –oxacin), such as levofloxacin, are also a possible amoxicillin substitute. 

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 01/05/26. The listed price, excluding insurance, refers to the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

Top 5 amoxicillin alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to amoxicillin.

1. Augmentin

Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) combines amoxicillin with a beta-lactamase (clavulanate) that neutralizes antibiotic resistance in penicillin-susceptible bacteria. It is typically the first-line treatment when there’s a possibility of drug-resistant bacteria, such as ear, sinus, or lung infections. It is not given to a patient who has a known penicillin allergy. 

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RELATED: Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

2. Cephalexin

Cephalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin, is a good substitute for people with a mild penicillin allergy, such as those who get a minor rash with prior amoxicillin use. For other infections, it may be the choice. Cephalexin is a common pick for strep throat and skin infections like cellulitis.

RELATED: Cephalexin vs. Amoxicillin: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

3. Cefdinir

Advancing to a third-generation antibiotic like cefdinir can provide broader spectrum coverage, including acute middle ear infections and pneumonia, even when amoxicillin has been ineffective. These agents can also be effective for urinary tract infections, a condition for which amoxicillin is not often chosen. The once-daily dosing of cefdinir is also nice. Unfortunately, killing more bacteria also erodes the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, so healthcare providers typically recommend avoiding a more potent antibiotic than necessary. 

RELATED: Cefdinir vs. amoxicillin: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

4. Zithromax

Zithromax (azithromycin) has been a popular choice for strep throat and other respiratory tract infections for those who are allergic to penicillin. The macrolide drug’s once-daily dosing and five-day treatment course have won it plenty of fans. Unfortunately, more recently, macrolide resistance rates have tempered enthusiasm, so Zithromax is not a recommended first choice for most folks with acute bacterial sinusitis or acute otitis media.

RELATED: Azithromycin vs. amoxicillin: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

5. Doxycycline

Sinusitis, pneumonia, and Lyme disease are all treated with doxycycline. These uses make this tetracycline antibiotic an option in many cases where amoxicillin cannot be used or is ineffective. The downsides of tetracyclines are worth noting. Stomach upset and sun sensitivity are common side effects, and there is concern about dental staining with long treatment courses in young children.

RELATED: Why you should take probiotics with antibiotics

Amoxicillin over-the-counter alternatives

Antibiotics sold over the counter are primarily used on the skin to prevent bacterial infections after wounds or burns. These antibiotics cannot treat many common or serious skin infections. including badly infected wounds, acne, rosacea, cellulitis, or similar infections. Most importantly, these antibiotics should never be ingested or used inside the ear, mouth, nose, or anus to treat a bacterial infection inside the body. 

Natural alternatives to amoxicillin

A number of natural supplements or foods have antibacterial properties. Studies on garlic, honey, oregano, and clove have identified antimicrobial compounds in these foods, including sulfur compounds (garlic), eugenol (clove), and hydrogen peroxide (honey). Studies on other herbs, such as ginger, suggest they may help suppress microbial activity. Taken in moderation, all these substances are safe additions to a healthy diet and may help prevent bacterial infections or manage very mild bacterial infections. They have not been shown to be an effective treatment for bacterial infections that require FDA-approved antibiotics. 

How to switch to an amoxicillin alternative

Finding an alternative to amoxicillin is quite possible, whether you need a different option due to allergy, ineffectiveness, adverse effects, or cost. The selection process must consider the type of bacteria and the antibiotic’s potency. Your clinicians will review your list of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements to look for drug interactions and allergies. When it is all said and done, you can expect to be started on a different antibiotic and be on your way to feeling better.

Choosing the right treatment for a viral infection

Antibiotics like amoxicillin do not treat viral infections. Unfortunately, viruses are much harder to fight off with drugs. The first step is to get a diagnosis and medical advice from a healthcare professional. Once the infection has been identified, the doctor may prescribe an appropriate antiviral drug, but often they won’t. Some viruses aren’t treatable with antivirals, and instead, supportive care is suggested. Others, like the cold virus, will resolve in a few days without treatment. Some viruses, like influenza or COVID-19, are treatable, but initial antiviral treatment is reserved only for people at risk for serious infection or complications.