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Bentyl vs. Linzess

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

Key takeaways

Dicyclomine (Bentyl) and Linzess (linaclotide) are both used to treat symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but they work in different ways and have different uses. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic medication that helps relieve muscle spasms in the stomach and intestines, making it useful for IBS with cramping. It is available in generic form and can be taken as tablets, capsules, or liquid four times a day. On the other hand, Linzess is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist that increases fluid in the intestines to help with constipation and is taken once daily. Linzess is only available as a brand medication and is specifically used for IBS with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). While dicyclomine can cause side effects like dizziness and dry mouth, Linzess can lead to diarrhea and stomach pain. Additionally, dicyclomine should not be used if you are breastfeeding, whereas Linzess is not recommended for children under 2 years old due to the risk of severe dehydration.

Dicyclomine

 

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Linzess

(linaclotide)

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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 Linzess

Prescription only

Linzess (linaclotide) is used to treat constipation from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) in people 7 years and older. It's also approved for adults with chronic constipation from unknown reasons. In addition, it treats functional constipation in children 2 years and up. This medication belongs to a drug class called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. It helps stool move through the gut more easily. Linzess (linaclotide) comes as a capsule taken by mouth once a day. Diarrhea is a common side effect. Linzess (linaclotide) is brand name only; there's no generic version yet.

Indications for Linzess

Pros and Cons for Linzess

Pros

  • Only need to take once a day
  • Can start to see improvement as early as a week of taking it every day

Cons

  • Must take on an empty stomach (30 minutes before a meal)
  • Can cause diarrhea

Common Side Effects for Linzess

Adults:

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Having gas
  • Bloating and feeling full in the belly

Children:

  • Diarrhea

Warnings for Linzess

  • Not for children under 2 years old because of risk of serious dehydration
  • Severe diarrhea

Prices with our coupons for Bentyl vs. Linzess

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Dicyclomine20 tablets / 20mg
$8.88$19.84
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Linzess30 capsules / 145mcg
$285.50$730.99
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