Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Bentyl vs. Levsin

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

Key takeaways

Dicyclomine (Bentyl) and hyoscyamine (Levsin, Hyosyne, Symax, Oscimin, NuLev) are both anticholinergic medications used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other stomach and intestine problems. Dicyclomine is typically taken four times a day and is available in generic form as tablets, capsules, and liquid. It can also be given as an injection for those who can't take it orally. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and blurry vision. Hyoscyamine, on the other hand, is taken every four hours and comes in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, sublingual tablets, and oral solutions. It can also be used for conditions like overactive bladder, stomach ulcers, and even colic in babies. Hyoscyamine's side effects include dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness. Both medications can cause changes in mood and bodily functions, but hyoscyamine has a broader range of uses and dosage forms. Additionally, hyoscyamine can be used in both adults and children, while dicyclomine is primarily for adults.

  • Dicyclomine
    Hyoscyamine
  • Dicyclomine
    Hyoscyamine

  • Summary of Bentyl vs. Levsin

    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 Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Hyoscyamine sulfate is an anticholinergic medication. It can ease symptoms of different conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach ulcers, and overactive bladder, in adults and children. Hyoscyamine is taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours. It's available in many dosage forms, including immediate-release tablets, sublingual tablets, and oral solution. Some side effects of hyoscyamine include dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness.

  • Indications of Bentyl vs. Levsin

    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    Indications for
    •Stomach and intestine problems (e.g., stomach ulcers, stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome)
    •Control spasms in certain conditions (e.g., overactive bladder)
    •Colic in babies (Hyoscyamine elixir and drops only)
    •Pain from gallstones or kidney stones
    •Runny nose
    •Relief of certain symptoms (e.g., sweating, salivation, muscle rigidity, tremors) of Parkinson’s disease

  • Pros and Cons of Bentyl vs. Levsin

    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 Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Works quickly to relieve symptoms
    •Comes in several different dosage forms (e.g., oral tablet, sublingual tablet, orally dissolving tablet, liquid)
    •Can be used in adults and children
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can have a lot of bothersome side effects (e.g., sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, trouble urinating, constipation)
    •Not known if it's safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding because it hasn't been studied

  • Common Side Effects of Bentyl vs. Levsin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (40%)
    •Dry mouth (33%)
    •Blurred vision (27%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Trouble urinating
    •Constipation
    •Blurry vision
    •Dry eyes
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Flushing
    •Head intolerance

  • Warnings of Bentyl vs. Levsin

    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
    •Dizziness
    •Changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors
    •Faster heart rate
    •Changes to bodily functions
    •Trouble urinating
    •Caution in people with certain gut problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Bentyl vs. Levsin

    Learn more about Dicyclomine
    Learn more about Hyoscyamine

Compare other Irritable Bowel Syndrome 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.