Types

• Augmentin is an antibiotic from a group of drugs called penicillins. Zithromax is a macrolide antibiotic from the group of erythromycins. This difference is important because people allergic to penicillin cannot take Augmentin but are able to take Zithromax.
  
  

Function

• Zithromax can be used in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Augmentin is not commonly prescribed for sexually transmitted diseases.
  
  

Effects

• Zithromax can cause mild stomach upset, vaginal itching, ringing in the ears, headache and tiredness. Augmentin can cause the same side effects. However, Augmentin is harsher on the stomach and should be taken with food.
  
  

Time Frame

• Augmentin is generally prescribed for treatment for 10 days. Zithromax can be prescribed as a single dose or a three- or five-day course of treatment.
  
  

Significance

• Clinical trials conducted by Pfizer and approved by the FDA conclude that Zithromax is effective in treating children for acute otitis media, an ear infection, with a single dose or three-day dose pack compared to a 10-day course of Augmentin.