The difference between Amoxicillin and Penicillin
Antibiotics are the usual regimen of medication given by doctors to patients who have illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses. The antibiotics are produced from microbes of bacteria and work in the body to fight against the bacteria that is causing infection. Two of these antibiotics that are commonly prescribed are amoxicillin and penicillin.
Penicillin is a main group of antibiotics and amoxicillin is a member of this group. Some of the other antibiotics that come under the heading of penicillin are ampicilli and piperacillin. They all act in the same way. Contrary to popular belief, they do not kill the bacteria directly. Rather they prevent the bacteria from growing and multiplying in the body by keeping the microbes from building cells around them. Bacteria need the protection of cell walls and when they cannot have this protection, they are unable to survive in the body. Therefore they die.
The different forms of antibiotics differ in the manner in which they act on the bacteria. Amoxicillin is the most effective one to use as treatment for influenza, gonorrhea, Ecoli, pneumonia, Streptococci and some forms of Staph infections. Penicillin has acts in a similar manner but is different in its effectiveness.
About Amoxicillin
In structure, amoxicillin is related to penicillin. It is a semisynthetic aminopenicillin antibiotic that has proven to be very effective in treating Gram-positive bacteria and a few Gram-negative microbes. Doctors prescribe this antibiotic for people who have pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections and infections of the skin. Amoxicillin has a better absorption rate for these illnesses because it really does penetrate into the tissues and cells. However, it is not effective in treating any brain infections because the antibiotic is not able to cross through the fluid in the brain and spine.
Even pregnant women and children can safely take this medication. One of the common side effects of amoxicillin is diarrhea, but for most people it doesn’t last long and they know that when they finish taking the medication it will go away.
About Penicillin
Penicillin works against bacteria in the same way as amoxicillin in that it prevents the bacteria from building protective cells around themselves. It is an effective treatment for infections caused by such bacteria as streptococcus, staphylococcus and pneumococcus. The treatment can be taken orally in pill or liquid form or through intravenous in which it goes directly into the blood stream. You do not have to take it with food because it does not cause any stomach problems.
Penicillin was the first antibiotic to be discovered and it has undergone many enhancements and changes. Nevertheless, it is perfectly safe for children and pregnant women to take. In order for it to be effective, it has to be taken once every six hours.
Summary of the difference between Amoxicillin and Penicillin
The differences between amoxicillin and penicillin can be summed up in different categories:
Rate of absorption: Amoxicillin has a much higher absorption rate than penicillin and it penetrates the tissues and cells.
Synthesis: Amoxicillin has a semi-synthetic nature, which accounts for its high rate of absorption. Because penicillin does not penetrate the issues and cells in the same way it is not as effective.
Effectiveness: Amoxicillin is more effective and can be used to treat a wider range of infections than penicillin.
Penetration: Although amoxicillin is better than penicillin at penetrating the tissues and cells, it is unable to cross brain and spinal fluid and therefore is ineffective in treating infections of the brain and spinal cord.
Safety: Both are safe to take for all ages and for pregnant women.
Cost: They are cheaper than other antibiotics and are also available in generic forms.
Length of treatment: A usual course of treatment of amoxicillin is ten days, but it may be longer for penicillin.
Action: They both prevent bacteria from building protective cells.
Source: They both come from mold.