Sign up for Amoxicillin price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get Price Alerts. Cephalexin has been shown to be active against a variety of bacterial organisms including Escherichia coli , Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase negative , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Moraxella catarrhalis , Proteus mirabilis , Staphylococcus aureus MSSA , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Streptococcus pneumoniae , and Streptococcus pyogenes.
The sensitivity of these organisms allows cephalexin to also be effective in treating many common types of infections including upper respiratory infections such as sinusitis , pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. Amoxicillin is also effective against lower respiratory infections such as community-acquired pneumonia. Other uses of cephalexin include skin infections cellulitis , bone and joint infections, otitis media, and urinary tract infections UTI.
Amoxicillin has been shown to be active against a variety of bacterial organisms including Enterococcus faecalis , Escherichia coli , Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase negative , Helicobacter pylori , Proteus mirabilis , Staphylococcus sp. The sensitivity of these organisms allows amoxicillin to also be effective in treating many common types of infections including upper and lower respiratory infections. Other uses include skin tissue infections, otitis media, and urinary tract infections.
Sign up for Cephalexin price alerts and find out when the price changes! Both cephalexin and amoxicillin have commonly been used off-label for endocarditis prophylaxis.
Patients with congenital heart defects or prosthetic heart valves are at an increased risk of developing an infection in the lining of their heart after dental procedures. Prophylactic doses of antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cephalexin given prior to these procedures have been shown to decrease the risk of such infections.
The effectiveness of cephalexin or amoxicillin will vary with each bacteria type and each patient. With any sensitive bacteria, each drug may be effective so long as it is dosed appropriately at the correct intervals. The effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics are dependent upon the amount of time that free, non-protein bound drug is above the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC of the bacteria.
Another factor in antibiotic therapy is antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria changes in response to an exposure to an antibiotic.
The change is adaptive to allow it to survive in spite of the antibiotic. Repeated or overuse of antibiotics, as well as suboptimal dosing, may contribute to antibiotic resistance. One study sought to compare the symptomatic relapse in pediatric patients with streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis. This was done by comparing return visits and symptomatic complaints following each type of treatment.
The study compared four treatment groups including amoxicillin and first-generation cephalosporins, including cephalexin. The study found that the incidence of symptomatic relapse was higher in the amoxicillin group than in the first-generation cephalosporin group.
The Infectious Disease Society maintains in its guidelines that amoxicillin is the first choice for group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Cephalexin is an acceptable alternative for patients with a penicillin-related allergy. Cephalexin is a prescription medication that is covered by both commercial and Medicare drug insurance plans.
A typical prescription for cephalexin would be written for 28 capsules of the mg strength. Amoxicillin is a prescription medication that is also covered by both commercial and Medicare drug insurance plans.
Get the SingleCare prescription discount card. Cephalexin and amoxicillin have a similar list of side effects. The most common side effect of both medications is diarrhea. Other gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, vomiting, and gastritis. In rare instances, cases of pseudomembranous colitis have been reported. Anaphylactic reactions may happen with both cephalexin and amoxicillin. Anaphylactic reactions require immediate medical attention.
The following list is not intended to be a complete list of possible side effects. Please consult a pharmacist, doctor, or another medical professional for a complete list of possible side effects. Cephalexin may increase the serum concentrations of the common antidiabetic agent metformin.
Most courses of cephalexin are a short duration, so the drugs may be used concurrently as long as the patient is monitored. Amoxicillin may interfere with the serum concentrations of important immunosuppressants. Serum concentrations of methotrexate have been shown to be increased with concurrent use with amoxicillin, while mycophenolate concentrations may be decreased. These immunosuppressant drugs are used in patients with serious conditions, and therefore patients who require the use of amoxicillin while on these drugs should be monitored closely.
Probenecid , when given with cephalexin or amoxicillin, may increase the serum concentrations of either antibiotic. While the use of both at the same time is not contraindicated, patients should be monitored. Patients with a penicillin allergy should not take amoxicillin. There is evidence to suggest that patients with a penicillin allergy may also have a cross-sensitivity to cephalosporins, including cephalexin. Caution should be used when prescribing cephalexin in penicillin-allergic patients with no prior use of cephalosporins.
Pseudomembranous colitis is a rare but serious condition. It involves the swelling and inflammation of the colon due to an overgrowth of clostridium difficile. Pseudomembranous colitis can occur with a variety of antibiotics, including cephalexin and amoxicillin.
Cephalexin and amoxicillin are renally excreted. Patients with decreased or impaired renal function must have their doses adjusted accordingly. Cephalexin is considered pregnancy category B, meaning that animal studies have not shown any teratogenic effects. It is considered generally safe in pregnancy. Cephalexin crosses into breast milk but is generally considered safe while breastfeeding. Amoxicillin is also considered pregnancy category B. Antibiotics used indiscriminately may destroy "good" bacteria along with "bad," thereby altering the body's natural flora and allowing even worse bacteria to proliferate.
Another, even more pressing concern is that using broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. When this happens, a few mutated bacteria may survive, some of which may be naturally resistant to the antibiotic you were taking.
Because you didn't "hit the infection hard enough," these survivors now have the opportunity to multiply and become the dominant strain. As such, the next time you develop an infection, the antibiotic will not work anywhere near as well.
If this happens with broad-spectrum antibiotic like Augmentin, you will be at greater risk of having multiple types of drug resistance. With a "narrow-spectrum" antibiotic like amoxicillin, the consequence may be less severe.
Whether you're prescribed amoxicillin, Augmentin, or another antibiotic, it's not so much the "strength" of the drug you should be concerned about; it's all about the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of treatment.
People are sometimes surprised, and even taken aback, when they are given amoxicillin for a serious infection such as pneumonia. But in many cases that may be all that is needed to resolve the infection.
If you don't believe that the antibiotic being prescribed is "strong enough," speak with your healthcare provider. This is especially true if you have a new healthcare provider or don't see a healthcare provider all that often. If you've had recurrent infections in the past for which amoxicillin hasn't helped, let the healthcare provider know. The more your healthcare provider knows about your previous antibiotic use, the better choices he or she can make.
Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. J Korean Med Sci. Amoxicillin-potassium clavulanate, a beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotic combination.
Clin Pharm. Thomas VM, Thomas-eapen N. Korean J Fam Med. Millard G. Further experience with augmentin in the treatment of skin infections. Scott Med J. Blaser M. Antibiotic overuse: Stop the killing of beneficial bacteria. Amoxil , Moxatag amoxicillin dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.
These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. It should be noted there are a few infections for which amoxicillin and Augmentin are prescribed equally: Pyelonephritis kidney infections Erysipelas, a type of skin infection Chronic strep "carriers".
See Photo. How to Avoid Antibiotic Resistance Always take an antibiotic as prescribed. Complete the entire course even if you feel better. Do not save antibiotics for future use. Do not use someone else's antibiotics. Do not take antibiotics for a viral infection. Avoid overuse. Take an antibiotic only if your healthcare provider deems it necessary.
Antibiotic Prescribing Guidelines. Was this page helpful?
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