Compare Bentyl vs. Donnatal
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Dicyclomine (Bentyl) and Donnatal (phenobarbital/hyoscyamine/atropine/scopolamine) are both used to treat stomach and intestinal problems, but they have some key differences. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic medication that specifically targets irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by blocking acetylcholine to relax stomach muscles and reduce cramping. It is available in generic form and can be taken as tablets, capsules, or liquid, typically four times a day. Dicyclomine is also availanble as an injection. On the other hand, Donnatal is a combination of a barbiturate (phenobarbital) and three anticholinergic medications (hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine). It is used as an add-on therapy for IBS, acute enterocolitis, and duodenal ulcers. Donnatal is available in both tablet and elixir forms and is taken three to four times a day. Unlike dicyclomine, Donnatal is not FDA-approved for effectiveness and can be habit-forming due to the phenobarbital component. Additionally, Donnatal can cause more severe side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and potential harm to an unborn baby, making it less suitable for pregnant individuals.
- DicyclomineDonnatal
- DicyclomineDonnatal
Summary of Bentyl vs. Donnatal
Summary for AnticholinergicPrescription onlyDicyclomine, also known by its brand name Bentyl, is an anticholinergic medication that's used to treat spasms of the muscles in the stomach and intestines in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This medication is available as generic tablets, capsules, and liquid that are taken by mouth four times daily. There's also an injection form of dicyclomine that's available as brand name and generic; it's injected into the muscle for people who can't take pills by mouth. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and blurry vision.
Summary for Barbiturate / Anticholinergic / AntispasmodicPrescription onlyDonnatal is a prescription medication that's added alongside other treatments to help manage stomach problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), enterocolitis (inflammation in the intestines), and duodenal ulcers. It contains a combination of four active ingredients: a barbiturate (phenobarbital) and three anticholinergic medications (hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine). This combination of medications is also available as a lower-cost generic and under the brand name Phenohytro. Typically, the tablets and elixir (liquid) are taken by mouth 3 to 4 times per day. Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, blurry vision, and dry mouth.
Indications of Bentyl vs. Donnatal
Indications forIndications forAdd-on therapy to treat:
•Short term enterocolitis (inflammation in the intestines)Pros and Cons of Bentyl vs. Donnatal
Pros and Const for AnticholinergicPros•Typically taken by mouth•Available as an oral liquid that's taken by mouth; good option for people who can't swallow tablets•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Taken 4 times per day•Older adults are more likely to have side effects from the medication•Might not be recommended for people with kidney or liver problems•Can't take if you're breastfeeding because of potentially serious harm to infantsPros and Const for Barbiturate / Anticholinergic / AntispasmodicPros•Available in both tablet and elixir (liquid) form•Can be used in both children and adults•Can treat many stomach conditionsCons•Rated by the FDA to be "possibly" effective•Needs to be taken multiple times a day•Could be habit-forming because it contains phenobarbitalCommon Side Effects of Bentyl vs. Donnatal
Common Side Effects for•Dizziness (40%)•Dry mouth (33%)•Blurred vision (27%)•Nausea (14%)Common Side Effects for•Dizziness•Blurred vision•Constipation•Sweating less•Difficulty passing urine•Fast heartbeatWarnings of Bentyl vs. Donnatal
Common Side Effects for•Faster heart rate (caution in people with heart conditions)•Changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors•Changes to bodily functions•Muscle weakness (caution in people with myasthenia gravis)•Strong caution in people with certain gut problems•Trouble urinating (caution in people with prostate problems)Common Side Effects for•Harm to your unborn baby•Fever and heatstroke•Dependence and withdrawalPrices with our coupons for Bentyl vs. Donnatal
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