Doxycycline vs Amoxicillin: Which Antibiotic Is Right for You?

When you’re dealing with a bacterial infection, your doctor might prescribe either doxycycline, a tetracycline-class antibiotic used for acne, Lyme disease, and respiratory infections. Also known as Vibramycin, it works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to survive. Or amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic commonly used for ear infections, sinus infections, and strep throat. Also known as Amoxil, it kills bacteria by breaking down their cell walls. These two drugs are both antibiotics, but they’re not interchangeable. Choosing the wrong one can mean your infection doesn’t clear up—or gets worse.

Here’s the simple difference: doxycycline covers a broader range of bacteria, including ones that cause tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and some types of pneumonia. It’s also used for acne and rosacea because it reduces inflammation, not just kills germs. Amoxicillin, on the other hand, is great for common infections like ear infections in kids or urinary tract infections, but it won’t touch many of the bugs doxycycline handles. If you’re allergic to penicillin, amoxicillin is off the table—doxycycline is often the backup. But if you’re pregnant or under 8 years old, doxycycline isn’t safe because it can stain developing teeth.

Side effects matter too. Doxycycline can make your skin super sensitive to sunlight—you can burn easily. You also can’t take it with dairy, antacids, or iron pills—they block absorption. Amoxicillin is gentler on the stomach but can cause diarrhea or yeast infections. Both can trigger allergic reactions, but penicillin allergies are more common and sometimes severe. If you’ve had a rash or swelling with amoxicillin before, tell your doctor before they even think about prescribing it.

There’s no "better" antibiotic here—only the right one for your infection. A sore throat? Amoxicillin’s usually first. A tick bite with a bullseye rash? Doxycycline. A stubborn skin infection? Could be either. Your doctor picks based on what’s likely causing the problem, your history, and what’s safe for you. That’s why you shouldn’t swap antibiotics with friends or reuse old prescriptions. What worked last time might be useless—or dangerous—this time.

You’ll find real comparisons in the posts below: how these drugs stack up against other antibiotics, what patients actually experience, and how to avoid common mistakes when taking them. No fluff. Just clear, practical info to help you understand why your doctor chose one over the other—and what to watch for once you start taking it.