Cymbalta vs Augmentin: side-by-side comparison
Cymbalta (Anti-Depressants) and Augmentin (Antibiotics) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Cymbalta | Augmentin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Duloxetine | Amoxicillin, Clavulanate |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Class | Anti-Depressants | Antibiotics |
| Strengths | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg | 500/125mg, 875/125mg, 1000/62.5mg |
| Forms | capsule | tablet, extended-release tablet, oral suspension, chewable tablet |
What's the same
Cymbalta and Augmentin are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Cymbalta belongs to Anti-Depressants while Augmentin belongs to Antibiotics. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Cymbalta: Cymbalta inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine at the synapse. Augmentin: Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), but is hydrolysed by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some resistant bacteria.
When Cymbalta is preferred
Cymbalta is approved for major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
When Augmentin is preferred
Augmentin is approved in adults and children for the treatment of respiratory tract infections including acute otitis media, sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, urinary tract infections, dental infections, skin and soft tissue in…
Frequently asked questions
Is Cymbalta or Augmentin better? ▾
Cymbalta and Augmentin are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Cymbalta to Augmentin? ▾
Switching between Cymbalta and Augmentin is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Cymbalta and Augmentin have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Cymbalta comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.