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Compare Questran vs. Bentyl

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

Key takeaways

Cholestyramine (Prevalite) and dicyclomine (Bentyl) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used to lower cholesterol and treat itching caused by bile duct blockage. It comes in a powder form that you mix with a liquid before taking. On the other hand, dicyclomine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat muscle spasms in the stomach and intestines for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine is available in tablets, capsules, and liquid forms, and it is taken four times a day. While cholestyramine can cause constipation and stomach discomfort, dicyclomine commonly causes dizziness, dry mouth, and blurry vision. Additionally, dicyclomine can affect your ability to think and react, so you should avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Cholestyramine requires careful timing with other medications to avoid absorption issues, whereas dicyclomine has specific contraindications, such as not being suitable for people with certain gut problems or those who are breastfeeding.

  • Cholestyramine
    Dicyclomine
  • Cholestyramine
    Dicyclomine

  • Summary of Questran vs. Bentyl

    Summary for Bile acid sequestrant
    Prescription only

    Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used to treat adults with high cholesterol and itching caused by bile duct problems. It comes as a powder in packets or a can that you mix with liquid to make an oral suspension before taking it. You take a dose by mouth 1 to 6 times a day, depending on your condition. The most common side effect is constipation.

    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.

  • Indications of Questran vs. Bentyl

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol, added onto a heart-healthy diet and exercise
    •Itching caused by bile duct problems
    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Pros and Cons of Questran vs. Bentyl

    Pros and Const for Bile acid sequestrant
    Pros
    •Can help lower cholesterol if diet and exercise alone haven’t worked
    •Works only in your gut so it doesn’t get absorbed into your bloodstream
    •Powder can be mixed with foods like soup, applesauce, crushed pineapple, or pureed fruit
    •Available in regular and light (lower sugar) options
    Cons
    •Can cause constipation and stomach discomfort
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Might need to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), especially if taken for a long time
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Questran vs. Bentyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (40%)
    •Dry mouth (33%)
    •Blurred vision (27%)
    •Nausea (14%)

  • Warnings of Questran vs. Bentyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Risk of acid imbalance
    •Constipation
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - light formulation only
    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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Questran vs. Bentyl

    Learn more about Cholestyramine
    Learn more about Dicyclomine

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