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Amoxicillin vs. Penicillin — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Amoxicillin and Penicillin are both antibiotics but differ mainly in their spectrum of activity and stability. Amoxicillin is a broader-spectrum antibiotic and is more acid-stable than Penicillin.
Amoxicillin vs. Penicillin — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Amoxicillin and Penicillin

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Key Differences

Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin family. Penicillin is the original antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 and serves as the basis for various other antibiotics like Amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin is generally more acid-stable, allowing it to be better absorbed when taken orally. Penicillin, on the other hand, is less stable in acidic environments, which affects its oral absorption efficacy.
Amoxicillin often comes in various formulations like capsules, tablets, and liquid suspensions. Penicillin usually is administered in the form of injections, particularly Benzathine Penicillin, due to its instability in gastric acid.
In terms of spectrum of activity, Amoxicillin is often more effective against a broader range of bacteria. Penicillin is more specialized and commonly used for treating specific bacterial infections like Streptococcus.
Both Amoxicillin and Penicillin can cause allergic reactions, and neither is effective against viral infections. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for the correct antibiotic choice between Amoxicillin and Penicillin based on the infection.
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Comparison Chart

Type of Antibiotic

Broad-spectrum
Narrow-spectrum

Acid Stability

More acid-stable
Less acid-stable

Common Formulations

Oral (capsules, tablets)
Usually injectable

Spectrum of Activity

Broader range
More specialized

Original or Derivative

Derivative
Original

Compare with Definitions

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
The doctor prescribed Amoxicillin to treat my sinus infection.

Penicillin

Penicillin is the original antibiotic.
Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin treats various bacterial infections.
Amoxicillin can be used for urinary tract infections as well.

Penicillin

Penicillin can cause allergies.
I have a Penicillin allergy, so I avoid it.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a derivative of Penicillin.
Amoxicillin was developed to improve upon the properties of Penicillin.

Penicillin

Penicillin is less acid-stable.
Penicillin can degrade faster in acidic environments.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is orally administered.
I take Amoxicillin capsules twice a day.

Penicillin

Penicillin is often injected.
The nurse gave me a Penicillin shot for my strep throat.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is more acid-stable.
Amoxicillin is effective when taken with or without food.

Penicillin

Penicillin has a narrower spectrum.
Penicillin is usually prescribed for specific types of infections.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. These include middle ear infection, strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, and urinary tract infections among others.

Penicillin

Penicillins (P, PCN or PEN) are a group of antibiotics originally obtained from Penicillium moulds, principally P. chrysogenum and P. rubens. Most penicillins in clinical use are chemically synthesised from naturally-produced penicillins.

Amoxicillin

A semisynthetic penicillin, C16H19N3O5S, having an antibacterial spectrum of action similar to that of ampicillin.

Penicillin

An antibiotic drug obtained from molds especially of the genus Penicillium or produced synthetically, available in various preparations and usually used to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.

Amoxicillin

(pharmaceutical drug) A moderate-spectrum, bacteriolytic beta-lactam antibiotic C16H19N3O5S closely related to ampicillin and with similar properties, but more readily absorbed when taken orally. It is used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible microorganisms.

Penicillin

Any of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs, synthetic or semisynthetic, that are derived from penicillin.

Amoxicillin

An antibiotic; a semisynthetic oral penicillin (trade names Amoxil and Larotid and Polymox and Trimox and Augmentin) used to treat bacterial infections

Penicillin

(pharmaceutical drug) Any of a group of narrow-spectrum antibiotics obtained from Penicillium molds or synthesized, that have a beta-lactam structure and are active against gram-positive bacteria and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases.

Penicillin

(mycology) A blue mold of the genus Penicillium that produces penicillin.

Penicillin

Any of a variety of substances having a structure containing a beta-lactam ring fused to a thiirane ring, to which a carboxyl group is attached, but most commonly interpreted as benzyl penicillin. They are notable as powerful antibacterial agents of relatively low toxicity which have found extensive use in medicine for treating bacterial infections. They are categorized as one of the classes of beta-lactam antibiotic. They are produced naturally by some fungi and bacteria, and industrial production processes almost invariably start from some form of the penicillin nucleus produced by fermentation of microorganisms. The fermentation products are then chemically modified to produce derivatives of enhanced potency, safety, or antibacterial spectrum. The first penicillin to see extensive use clinically (during World War II) was penicillin G, also called benzypenicillin, and commonly simply "penicillin".

Penicillin

Any of various antibiotics obtained from penicillium molds (or produced synthetically) and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases

Common Curiosities

Who discovered Penicillin?

Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin in 1928.

Is Amoxicillin a type of Penicillin?

Yes, Amoxicillin is a derivative of Penicillin.

Can Penicillin treat any viral infection?

No, Penicillin is ineffective against viral infections.

How long has Penicillin been in use?

Penicillin has been in use since the early 20th century.

Is Amoxicillin good for children?

Yes, Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed for bacterial infections in children but consult a healthcare provider for proper dosage.

What is the acid stability of Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is more acid-stable than Penicillin.

Is Amoxicillin taken orally?

Yes, Amoxicillin is commonly taken orally.

Are there allergic reactions to Penicillin?

Yes, some people are allergic to Penicillin.

How is Penicillin usually administered?

Penicillin is often administered via injection.

What is the spectrum of Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin has a broader spectrum than Penicillin.

What are the side effects of Penicillin?

Penicillin can cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and allergies.

What types of infections does Amoxicillin treat?

Amoxicillin can treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Can Amoxicillin be used for pets?

Yes, but consult a veterinarian for the proper dosage.

What is the main drawback of Penicillin?

Penicillin's main drawback is its instability in acidic environments.

Is either Amoxicillin or Penicillin over-the-counter?

No, both Amoxicillin and Penicillin require a prescription.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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