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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.

Dicyclomine

 

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Summary for Bentyl

Prescription only

Dicyclomine, 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.

Indications for Bentyl

Pros and Cons for Bentyl

Pros

  • 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 generic

Cons

  • 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 infants

Common Side Effects for Bentyl

  • Dizziness (40%)
  • Dry mouth (33%)
  • Blurred vision (27%)
  • Nausea (14%)

Warnings for Bentyl

  • 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)

Summary for Donnatal

Prescription only

Donnatal 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 for Donnatal

Add-on therapy to treat:

Pros and Cons for Donnatal

Pros

  • Available in both tablet and elixir (liquid) form
  • Can be used in both children and adults
  • Can treat many stomach conditions

Cons

  • Rated by the FDA to be "possibly" effective
  • Needs to be taken multiple times a day
  • Could be habit-forming because it contains phenobarbital

Common Side Effects for Donnatal

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation
  • Sweating less
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Fast heartbeat

Warnings for Donnatal

  • Harm to your unborn baby
  • Fever and heatstroke
  • Dependence and withdrawal

Prices with our coupons for Bentyl vs. Donnatal

Price Card Drug Icon
Dicyclomine20 tablets / 20mg
$11.24-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Phenobarbital/Hyoscyamine/Atropine/Scopolamine60 tablets / 16.2mg
$52.41$565.19
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