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Compare Levsin vs. Donnatal

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

Key takeaways

Hyoscyamine (Levsin, Hyosyne, Symax, Oscimin, NuLev) and Donnatal (phenobarbital / hyoscyamine / atropine / scopolamine) are both used to treat stomach problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They both contain hyoscyamine, an anticholinergic medication that helps relax stomach muscles and slow gut movement. However, they differ in several ways. Hyoscyamine is a single anticholinergic medication, while Donnatal is a combination of four medications, including a barbiturate (phenobarbital) and three anticholinergics (hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine). Hyoscyamine is available in various forms, such as tablets and liquid, and is typically taken every 4 hours and may be used as needed. Donnatal is available as tablets and elixir and is taken 3 to 4 times a day. Hyoscyamine is available as a lower-cost generic. Donnatal is also available as a generic, but is technically not FDA-approved (rated by the FDA to be "possibly" effective). Common side effects of both medications include dry mouth and dizziness, but Donnatal has a risk of misuse and dependence due to phenobarbital, and is a controlled substance in some states.

  • Hyoscyamine
    Donnatal
  • Hyoscyamine
    Donnatal

  • Summary of Levsin vs. Donnatal

    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.

    Summary for Barbiturate / Anticholinergic / Antispasmodic
    Prescription only

    Donnatal is a prescription medication that's added alongside other treatments to help manage stomach problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), enterocolitis (inflammation in the intestines), and duodenal ulcers. It contains a combination of four active ingredients: a barbiturate (phenobarbital) and three anticholinergic medications (hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine). This combination of medications is also available as a lower-cost generic and under the brand name Phenohytro. Typically, the tablets and elixir (liquid) are taken by mouth 3 to 4 times per day. Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, blurry vision, and dry mouth.

  • Indications of Levsin vs. Donnatal

    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
    Indications for

    Add-on therapy to treat:

    •Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    •Short term enterocolitis (inflammation in the intestines)
    •Duodenal ulcer

  • Pros and Cons of Levsin vs. Donnatal

    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
    Pros and Const for Barbiturate / Anticholinergic / Antispasmodic
    Pros
    •Available in both tablet and elixir (liquid) form
    •Can be used in both children and adults
    •Can treat many stomach conditions
    Cons
    •Rated by the FDA to be "possibly" effective
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Could be habit-forming because it contains phenobarbital

  • Common Side Effects of Levsin vs. Donnatal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Trouble urinating
    •Constipation
    •Blurry vision
    •Dry eyes
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Flushing
    •Head intolerance
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Dizziness
    •Blurred vision
    •Constipation
    •Sweating less
    •Difficulty passing urine
    •Fast heartbeat

  • Warnings of Levsin vs. Donnatal

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to your unborn baby
    •Fever and heatstroke
    •Dependence and withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Levsin vs. Donnatal

    Learn more about Hyoscyamine
    Learn more about Donnatal

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