Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Bentyl vs. Imodium (multi symptom)

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Dicyclomine (Bentyl) and loperamide (Imodium A-D) are both medications used to treat gastrointestinal issues, but they belong to different drug classes and have different uses. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic medication primarily used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by relaxing the muscles in the stomach and intestines to reduce cramping. Loperamide, on the other hand, is an antidiarrheal medication used to control symptoms of diarrhea, including those related to chronic gut conditions. While dicyclomine is available only by prescription, loperamide can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription. Dicyclomine is typically taken four times a day, whereas loperamide is taken after each loose stool, with specific dosing limits. Common side effects of dicyclomine include dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision, while loperamide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation. Additionally, dicyclomine can interact with anticholinergic medications, while loperamide should be used cautiously with medications affecting heart rhythm.

  • Dicyclomine
    Imodium multi-symptom relief
  • Dicyclomine
    Imodium multi-symptom relief

  • Summary of Bentyl vs. Imodium (multi symptom)

    Summary for Anticholinergic
    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.

    Summary for Antidiarrheal / Antiflatulent

    Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief is a combination medication that contains loperamide and simethicone. It's used to relieve symptoms of diarrhea and bloating and cramps from gas. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication, while simethicone helps ease gassiness (flatulence). Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief can be used for people over the age of 6. In general, you can take a tablet after each loose stool (up until the maximum daily dose). Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief is found over the counter as brand-name and generic versions. Side effects aren't common but can include tiredness and dizziness.

  • Indications of Bentyl vs. Imodium (multi symptom)

    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    Indications for
    •Diarrhea
    •Bloating and cramps caused by gas

  • Pros and Cons of Bentyl vs. Imodium (multi symptom)

    Pros and Const for Anticholinergic
    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
    Pros and Const for Antidiarrheal / Antiflatulent
    Pros
    •Tackles both symptoms of diarrhea and gas at the same time
    •Available over the counter as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use in children over 6 years old
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet taken by mouth
    •Doesn't treat the cause of diarrhea or gas, only the symptoms
    •Not meant for long-term use

  • Common Side Effects of Bentyl vs. Imodium (multi symptom)

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (40%)
    •Dry mouth (33%)
    •Blurred vision (27%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Bentyl vs. Imodium (multi symptom)

    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
    •Risk for serious heart problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Bentyl vs. Imodium (multi symptom)

    Learn more about Dicyclomine
    Learn more about Imodium multi-symptom relief

Compare other Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Diarrhea drugs

Bentyl vs DonnatalBentyl vs ImodiumBentyl vs LevsinBentyl vs LibraxBentyl vs ViberziIbsrela vs BentylQuestran vs BentylXifaxan vs BentylFlagyl vs XifaxanIbsrela vs AmitizaIbsrela vs LinzessIbsrela vs MotegrityIbsrela vs TrulanceIbsrela vs ViberziIbsrela vs XifaxanImodium vs AlosetronImodium vs Pepto BismolImodium vs QuestranLevsin vs DonnatalLevsin vs LevbidLevsin vs LinzessLevsin vs ViberziLinzess vs ViberziLomotil vs ImodiumLomotil vs ViberziViberzi vs MotegrityXifaxan vs AliniaXifaxan vs CiproXifaxan vs RifampinXifaxan vs Viberzi
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.