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Unasyn vs. Amoxil (Amoxicillin)

Are Unasyn and Amoxil the Same Thing?

Unasyn (ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium) and Amoxil (amoxicillin) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.

Unasyn and Amoxil both contain penicillin-type antibiotics. Unasyn also contains a beta-lactamase inhibitor.

Side effects of Unasyn and Amoxil that are similar include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, vaginal itching or discharge, headache, rash, and swollen/black/"hairy" tongue.

Side effects of Unasyn that are different from Amoxil include fever, sore throat, body aches, bloating, gas, itching, thrush (white patches inside your mouth or throat), and pain, swelling, or irritation where the needle is placed.

Both Unasyn and Amoxil may interact with probenecid.

Unasyn may also interact with allopurinol.

Amoxil may also interact with blood thinners, other antibiotics, or sulfa drugs.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Unasyn?

Common side effects of Unasyn include:

  • fever,
  • sore throat,
  • headache,
  • rash,
  • diarrhea,
  • body aches,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • stomach pain,
  • bloating,
  • gas,
  • vaginal itching or discharge,
  • itching,
  • swollen/black/"hairy" tongue,
  • thrush (white patches inside your mouth or throat), or
  • pain, swelling, or irritation where the needle is placed.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Amoxil?

Common side effects of Amoxil include:

  • mild headache (not a migraine),
  • pain or chest tightness,
  • pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body,
  • weakness,
  • feeling hot or cold,
  • dizziness,
  • spinning sensation,
  • drowsiness,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • drooling,
  • unusual taste in your mouth after using nasal spray,
  • burning/numbness/pain/irritation in your nose or throat after using nasal spray, or
  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling under the skin).

What is Unasyn?

Unasyn (ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium) is a combination antibiotic indicated for the treatment of infections due to susceptible strains of microorganisms.

What is Amoxil?

Amoxil (amoxicillin) is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are B-lactamase negative (B-lactamase positive bacteria are usually resistant to Amoxil (amoxicillin)); these infections usually occur in the skin, lungs, urinary tract and eye, ears, nose, and throat. Amoxil (amoxicillin) is available as a generic drug termed amoxicillin. Amoxil (amoxicillin) may be combined with other drugs (for example, clavulanic acid [Augmentin]), to make the antibiotic more effective.

What Drugs Interact With Unasyn?

Unasyn may interact with allopurinol, probenecid, or other antibiotics.

What Drugs Interact With Amoxil?

Amoxil (amoxicillin) may interact with probenecid, blood thinners, other antibiotics, or sulfa drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Treatment in pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should be done with caution.

How Should Unasyn Be Taken?

Unasyn is administered orally in the form of tablets.

How Should Amoxil Be Taken?

Amoxil (amoxicillin) is available in many preparations (capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, powder for oral suspension and pediatric oral suspension).

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