Amoxicillin and cephalosporins, what is the difference between the two? Let me tell you the answer today
What is the difference between amoxicillin and cephalosporins? Let's talk about what the two have in common. From the perspective of chemical structure, both of them are actually β-lactam antibiotics. That is to say, the structures of the two belong to the same general category, and the mechanism of action is the same; and the two belong to antibiotics, which have the effect of inhibiting or killing some sensitive bacteria.
Now let's talk about the differences between the two.
- Individual and overall:
Amoxicillin is a specific drug, while cephalosporin refers to a class of drugs, including first-generation cephalosporins, such as cephalexin, cefradine, etc.; second-generation cephalosporins, such as cefuroxime, cefprozil, etc.; Three generations of cephalosporins, such as: cefixime, cefdinir, etc.; there are also four generations of cephalosporins and five generations of cephalosporins.
Different categories: Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, and its chemical structure classification is different from that of cephalosporins.
Is a skin test necessary?
Since amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class, a skin test is required before clinical application, either by injection or by oral administration. The cephalosporin countries have no mandatory requirements. Except for the clinical skin test recommended by the instructions, it is not necessary to do anything else.
- Different antibacterial spectrum:
Amoxicillin is effective against hemolytic Streptococcus, Viridian Streptococcus, Pneumococcus, Penicillin G-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, Enterococcus, Salmonella, Typhi and Proteus, monocytes Listeria prolifera, etc. may have antibacterial effects. Cephalosporins are naturally resistant to Enterococcus and Listeria monocytogenes, and have no antibacterial activity, so they cannot be used for the anti-infection treatment of these two bacteria. Amoxicillin has no effect on penicillinase-producing Staphylococcus aureus and is resistant to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the cephalosporins, cefazolin can be used for the treatment of penicillinase-producing Staphylococcus aureus infections; ceftazidime can be used for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
In fact, about this, you may not need to know so clearly, and of course you may not be able to remember, remembering these should be the doctor's business.
We give you a few tips:
A. If it is a usual infection or an infection secondary to the common cold, most of these are actually cocci, and the first and second generation drugs of amoxicillin and cephalosporin (such as cephalexin, cefaclor) can be used;
B. If it is pneumonia and otitis media that occur at home, most of them may be cocci, use the same as above;
C. If the pneumonia occurs within 48 hours after returning from the hospital, it is very likely to be a bacillus infection, and it may be necessary to use the third-generation cephalosporins, such as: cefotaxime, ceftriaxone;
- The side effects of the two are very different:
The side effects of amoxicillin are relatively small, and the damage to its own liver and kidney functions is relatively small. The most important thing to note is that long-term use may lead to double infection;
The side effects of cephalosporin antibiotics are relatively small, but the differences between different levels are also very different. Generally speaking, the first- and second-generation cephalosporins have certain nephrotoxicity, while the nephrotoxicity of the third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins may be ignored.
6, allergic reactions are different:
As a penicillin-type drug, amoxicillin has a certain probability of allergic reaction, and has cross-allergic reaction with penicillin, which means that people allergic to penicillin are absolutely prohibited from amoxicillin. Therefore, a skin test must be done before use.
The cephalosporins are artificially modified, and the incidence of allergic reactions may be greatly reduced. The use of cephalosporins is not recommended unless severe penicillin allergy has occurred. Moreover, there is no mandatory skin test for cephalosporins unless otherwise specified.
- Different reactions after drinking:
Amoxicillin does not have a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, so drinking alcohol may not be a big problem after taking amoxicillin. However, we still do not recommend that you drink alcohol before and after taking amoxicillin, after all, your body is your own.
And cephalosporins are quite different. Most cephalosporins are likely to have a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol. Therefore, drinking alcohol is absolutely prohibited before and after taking cephalosporins.
special reminder:
A. Whether you have the common cold or the flu, taking amoxicillin and cephalosporins is actually useless. In other words, taking these drugs when you have a cold is a wrong choice. Unless, you have clear evidence of bacterial infection;
B. It is not recommended to take amoxicillin and cephalosporins frequently, which may easily lead to drug resistance;
C. When using these antibiotics, we recommend that you need the guidance of a relevant professional doctor;
D. We stress again that drinking alcohol is prohibited before and after taking cephalosporins; we do not recommend drinking alcohol before and after taking amoxicillin.