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Compare Xifaxan vs. Bentyl

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

Key takeaways

Xifaxan (rifaximin) and Bentyl (dicyclomine) are both used to treat conditions related to the digestive system, but they work in different ways and treat different issues. Xifaxan is a rifamycin antibiotic that treats travelers' diarrhea caused by *E. coli*, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), and prevents hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adults. It works by stopping bacteria in the gut from making proteins they need to survive. On the other hand, Bentyl is an anticholinergic medication that treats muscle spasms in the stomach and intestines for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works by blocking acetylcholine, which helps relax the muscles in your gut. Xifaxan is taken 2 to 3 times a day, while Bentyl is taken 4 times a day. Xifaxan is only available as tablets, whereas Bentyl comes in multiple forms including tablets, capsules, oral liquid, and an injection. Common side effects of Xifaxan include swelling, dizziness, and fatigue, while Bentyl can cause dizziness, dry mouth, and blurry vision. Bentyl is available as a lower-cost generic, while Xifaxan is not.

  • Xifaxan (rifaximin)
    Dicyclomine
  • Xifaxan (rifaximin)
    Dicyclomine

  • Summary of Xifaxan vs. Bentyl

    Summary for Rifamycin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a rifamycin antibiotic that's used to treat people 12 years and older with travelers' diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). The medication can also treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) and prevent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adults. Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a tablet that's taken by mouth 2 to 3 times per day, depending on the medical condition you're using it for. Side effects generally include swelling, dizziness, and fatigue.

    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 Xifaxan vs. Bentyl

    Indications for
    •Treatment of travelers' diarrhea caused by E. coli in people ages 12 years and older
    •Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults
    •Prevention of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adults
    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Pros and Cons of Xifaxan vs. Bentyl

    Pros and Const for Rifamycin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well for travelers' diarrhea, HE, and IBS-D
    •Can treat travelers' diarrhea in children 12 years and older
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Need to take 2 to 3 times per day, depending on why you're taking it
    •Only available as tablets
    •Might not be the best option for people with severe liver problems
    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 Xifaxan vs. Bentyl

    Common Side Effects for

    Travelers' diarrhea:

    •Headache (10%)

    IBS-D:

    •Nausea (2-3%)

    HE:

    •Swelling in hands and feet (15%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Tiredness (12%)
    •Extra stomach fluid and swelling (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (40%)
    •Dry mouth (33%)
    •Blurred vision (27%)
    •Nausea (14%)

  • Warnings of Xifaxan vs. Bentyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of travelers' diarrhea
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    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 Xifaxan vs. Bentyl

    Learn more about Xifaxan
    Learn more about Dicyclomine

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