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Compare Bentyl vs. Librax

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

Key takeaways

Dicyclomine (Bentyl) and Librax (chlordiazepoxide/clidinium) are both used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but they work differently and belong to different medication classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic that helps by relaxing the muscles in your stomach and intestines, and it is available in generic form. You typically take it four times a day. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and blurry vision. On the other hand, Librax combines a benzodiazepine (chlordiazepoxide) and an anticholinergic (clidinium) to address both the emotional and physical aspects of stomach conditions. It is also available in generic form and is usually taken three to four times a day. Librax can cause drowsiness, confusion, and has a risk of dependence and withdrawal if used long-term. While both medications can cause dry mouth and blurry vision, Librax has additional risks related to its benzodiazepine component, such as potential misuse and addiction.

  • Dicyclomine
    Librax (chlordiazepoxide / clidinium)
  • Dicyclomine
    Librax (chlordiazepoxide / clidinium)

  • Summary of Bentyl vs. Librax

    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 Benzodiazepine / Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Librax (chlordiazepoxide / clidinium) is a medication that contains a benzodiazepine and an anticholinergic. It's used to help with emotional and physical factors related to stomach conditions by relaxing the mind and gut muscles. It can also be used with other medications to treat stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammation in the small intestine and colon (acute enterocolitis). Librax (chlordiazepoxide / clidinium) comes as brand-name and generic capsules that are approved for adults only. Side effects can include drowsiness and confusion. It's considered a controlled substance in some states.

  • Indications of Bentyl vs. Librax

    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    Indications for
    •To control emotional and somatic (physical) factors related to stomach conditions
    •Add-on therapy for peptic (stomach) ulcer
    •Add-on therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    •Add-on therapy for acute enterocolitis

  • Pros and Cons of Bentyl vs. Librax

    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 Benzodiazepine / Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
    •Can be used with other medications to help with stomach problems
    Cons
    •Might have to take the medication three to four times a day
    •Higher risk of side effects for older adults
    •Can cause dependence and withdrawal if used for a long period of time

  • Common Side Effects of Bentyl vs. Librax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (40%)
    •Dry mouth (33%)
    •Blurred vision (27%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Constipation
    •Trouble urinating
    •Problems with balance and coordination

  • Warnings of Bentyl vs. Librax

    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
    •Risks when taken with opioids
    •Misuse and addiction
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Harder to focus or concentrate
    •Harm to your unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Bentyl vs. Librax

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    Learn more about Librax

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