Amoxicillin: What It Is, How It Works, and What Alternatives Work Better

When you have a bacterial infection—like a bad earache, strep throat, or a stubborn sinus infection—your doctor might reach for amoxicillin, a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic commonly prescribed to fight common bacterial infections. Also known as Amoxil, it’s one of the most used antibiotics in the world because it works well, is usually well-tolerated, and costs very little. But amoxicillin isn’t the only option. If you’ve ever been told you’re allergic to penicillin, or if your infection didn’t get better after taking it, you’ve probably wondered: what else works?

amoxicillin-clavulanate, a stronger version of amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid to fight resistant bacteria, is often used when the infection is tougher—like a sinus infection that won’t clear up or a skin abscess. But even that’s not always enough. For some people, azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic that works differently and is often used for those with penicillin allergies is a better fit. Others might need cefalexin, a cephalosporin antibiotic that’s similar to amoxicillin but less likely to trigger allergic reactions in some patients. Each has its own strengths, side effects, and when it’s the right pick.

Amoxicillin works by stopping bacteria from building their cell walls. It’s great for common bugs like strep, some ear infections, and urinary tract infections. But it doesn’t work on viruses—so if you have a cold or the flu, it won’t help. And overusing it? That’s how resistant superbugs start. That’s why doctors are more careful now. If your infection isn’t improving in a few days, or if you’ve taken amoxicillin before and it didn’t work, you might need something else. The posts below dig into real comparisons: how amoxicillin stacks up against other antibiotics like erythromycin, cefpodoxime, and chloramphenicol. You’ll find out which ones are cheaper, which have fewer side effects, and when switching makes sense—whether you’re dealing with a child’s ear infection, a stubborn skin rash, or a respiratory bug that won’t quit.