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Compare Levsin vs. Linzess

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

Key takeaways

Hyoscyamine (Levsin, Hyosyne, Symax, Oscimin, NuLev) and Linzess (linaclotide) are both medications used to treat conditions related to the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct mechanisms of action. Hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical in the body, to relieve symptoms like stomach cramps and overactive bladder. It is available in various forms, including tablets and liquid solutions, and is taken multiple times a day. Linzess, on the other hand, is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist that increases fluid in the intestines to help with constipation. It is taken as a capsule once a day on an empty stomach. While hyoscyamine is available as a generic, Linzess is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of hyoscyamine include dry mouth and dizziness, whereas Linzess may cause diarrhea and stomach pain.

  • Hyoscyamine
    Linzess (linaclotide)
  • Hyoscyamine
    Linzess (linaclotide)

  • Summary of Levsin vs. Linzess

    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 GC-C agonist
    Prescription only

    Linzess (linaclotide) is approved for people 7 years and older with constipation from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). It's also for adults with long-lasting or chronic constipation from unknown reasons. Children 6 years and older with functional constipation can take this medication as well. Linzess (linaclotide) belongs to a drug class called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. It's a capsule that's taken by mouth once a day. But diarrhea is a common side effect. This medication is currently brand name only; there's no generic version yet.

  • Indications of Levsin vs. Linzess

    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
    •Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in people 7 years and older
    •Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
    •Functional constipation (FC) in children 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Levsin vs. Linzess

    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 GC-C agonist
    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 of Levsin vs. Linzess

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Trouble urinating
    •Constipation
    •Blurry vision
    •Dry eyes
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Flushing
    •Head intolerance
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

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

    Children:

    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Levsin vs. Linzess

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Levsin vs. Linzess

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