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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

 

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Librax

(chlordiazepoxide / clidinium)

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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 Librax

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 for Librax

  • 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 for Librax

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 for Librax

  • Sleepiness or drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Constipation
  • Trouble urinating
  • Problems with balance and coordination

Warnings for Librax

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Dicyclomine20 tablets / 20mg
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Chlordiazepoxide/Clidinium90 capsules / 5mg/2.5mg
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