Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin: Differences & similarities explained

In this article:

• Compare Augmentin vs. amoxicillin key differences
• Uses for Augmentin vs. amoxicillin
• Is Augmentin better than amoxicillin?
• Insurance coverage and cost comparison
• Augmentin vs. amoxicillin side effects
• Amoxicillin and Augmentin drug interactions
• Amoxicillin and Augmentin drug warnings

In this article

• Compare Augmentin vs. amoxicillin key differences
• Uses for Augmentin vs. amoxicillin
• Is Augmentin better than amoxicillin?
• Insurance coverage and cost comparison
• Augmentin vs. amoxicillin side effects
• Amoxicillin and Augmentin drug interactions
• Amoxicillin and Augmentin drug warnings

Amoxicillin and Augmentin are two antibiotics commonly prescribed for similar infections, which is why people confuse them. They are both penicillin antibiotics commonly used to treat sinus, ear, and skin infections caused by bacteria, not viruses. Confusion between the two is common because they both contain the active ingredient amoxicillin. However, Augmentin also contains a second-active ingredient called clavulanate, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, which enhances its effectiveness against certain infections. When comparing amoxicillin versus Augmentin, the best choice often depends on the infection type, history of antibiotic use,  and the risk of resistance. 

Source: Augmentin DailyMed and Amoxicillin DailyMed

Uses for Augmentin vs. amoxicillin

Amoxicillin and Augmentin are both used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat, and certain skin rashes. That said, neither amoxicillin nor Augmentin is an appropriate treatment for all infections. 

“A good way to think of it is that amoxicillin is an effective soldier against many bacteria,” says Cynthia Odogwu, MD, a family and lifestyle medicine physician in Maryland. “Some bacteria, however, have put on a strong armor (i.e., beta-lactamases) that breaks down amoxicillin before it can kill them. It becomes important to use Augmentin when treating infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.”

It’s important for a healthcare professional to identify the bacteria causing the problem. Taking antibiotics that are ineffective against the active infection can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Sources: FDA drug labels, StatPearls (amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate), and MedlinePlus (amoxicillin)

Is Augmentin better than amoxicillin?

“Augmentin is not necessarily better than amoxicillin,” says Jennifer Allyn, MD, a women’s health specialist and physician health advocate in Fairfax, VA. “I remind my patients that what is best is to prescribe the simplest antibiotic that is effective for a particular infection.” 

Both Dr. Allyn and Dr. Odogwu suggest that amoxicillin is a “first choice” for treating many common infections. However, they also say more resistant or difficult-to-treat infections may require the extra power of Augmentin. 

Here is what the research shows:

• In a study comparing amoxicillin and amoxicillin‐clavulanate for acute sinusitis, researchers found that the two antibiotics were equally effective and amoxicillin was associated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
• Another study compared five days of amoxicillin or clavulanic acid (Augmentin) treatment for impetigo. Augmentin improved symptoms in 95% of patients, whereas amoxicillin improved symptoms in 68%.
• Another study comparing these antibiotics for UTI treatment in older adults found that Augmentin was twice as likely to clear the infection as amoxicillin. 

Ultimately, whether amoxicillin or Augmentin is better for you depends on the bacterial strain causing your infection. The patient’s prior response to Augmentin or amoxicillin may also inform the decision on which antibiotic to prescribe. The most effective medication for any infection should only be determined by a healthcare provider familiar with the patient’s medical condition, history, and other medications. 

Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Most antibiotics are covered by insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare Part D. Both amoxicillin and Augmentin are available at most pharmacies, with generic versions widely stocked. Insurance coverage helps cover all or part of the cash price of each drug covered by the plan. However, insurance policies are much more likely to cover generic drugs than their brand-name counterparts. That means amoxicillin is more likely to be covered than brand-name Augmentin. Fortunately, generic Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is readily available. The best way to find out whether a specific health insurance policy covers amoxicillin, Augmentin, or both is to contact the insurance company directly.

Regardless of insurance coverage, amoxicillin tends to be less expensive than generic Augmentin. Patients without insurance can still save on the cash price of these antibiotics by using SingleCare coupons or a free SingleCare card. 

Here’s what you can expect to pay without insurance or discounts:

• Amoxicillin: $19 for 21, 500 mg capsules
• Generic Augmentin: $95 for 20, 875-125 mg tablets

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of March 10, 2026. Click the link under “Get coupon” to see the latest drug prices.

Augmentin vs. amoxicillin side effects

The most common side effects of both drugs are gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. “When I prescribe amoxicillin or Augmentin to my patients, I encourage them to take the medications with food or milk to help prevent these effects, and to drink plenty of water while taking them,” Dr. Allyn says.

Rashes, headaches, and yeast infections are also possible side effects. Rare but serious side effects of amoxicillin and Augmentin include liver problems, blood disorders, and severe allergic reactions. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience rapid-onset hives or seek emergent medical attention with trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat after taking amoxicillin or Augmentin.

Side effect risk can vary depending on your personal health condition and other medications. Consult a healthcare professional for a complete list of side effects.

RELATED: Can you have a delayed allergic reaction to amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin and Augmentin drug interactions

Common amoxicillin interactions include anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin, methotrexate, anti-gout medications, and other antibacterials. Combining these drugs with amoxicillin or Augmentin can significantly increase the risk of serious side effects. When Augmentin is taken with warfarin can cause the blood to become too thin and risk bleeding episodes. When Augmentin is taken with allopurinol, there is an increased risk of skin reactions. 

Amoxicillin and Augmentin may also temporarily decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control pills, increasing the risk of pregnancy.

Amoxicillin and Augmentin drug warnings

The prescribing information for these penicillin antibiotics includes warnings that the drugs can cause severe allergic reactions, skin reactions, hepatic dysfunction (liver impairment), and Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. It’s important to report any severe side effects or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Other warnings relevant to amoxicillin and Augmentin include:

• Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing an infant during antibiotic treatment. Research in pregnant women is limited. Amoxicillin is considered safe to use while breastfeeding, though data show that it can pass into breast milk.
• Tell your provider if you have a history of liver disease, as these drugs can cause liver problems.
• Never stop an antibiotic course midway through without consulting your provider. This increases your risk of antibiotic resistance in the future.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about the duration of amoxicillin or Augmentin treatment. While neither is known to be habit-forming, they are not intended for long-term use.

RELATED: Can you take amoxicillin while pregnant?

Bottom line: Which antibiotic is better?

Only a healthcare provider familiar with your infection, health condition, and other medications can offer medical advice on which antibiotic is best for you. The treatment of infections depends mostly on the bacterial strain causing the infection. In the case of amoxicillin and Augmentin, the drugs treat similar conditions, but Augmentin has an additional antibiotic ingredient, making it stronger than amoxicillin. Whether your case requires amoxicillin, Augmentin, or another antibiotic is a decision best left up to your personal healthcare provider.

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of March 1, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our amoxicillin and Augmentin coupon pages for updated prices near you.