Both Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine belong to a specific class of drugs called anticholinergics. Doctors often recommend both of these medications to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, the difference between Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine as a treatment for gastrointestinal issues is often confusing for people suffering from irritable bowel movements.
So, it will be quite interesting to know that these drugs are not the same. Our guide to Dicyclomine vs Hyoscyamine will help you sort out your confusion.
Firstly make it clear that Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine are not the same. There is a clear difference in their chemical formulas and the side effects caused by them. But, it is also true that both these drugs can treat irritable bowel syndrome and some other abdominal issues. The way, they work is also quite the same.
To learn more about the difference between Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine, continue reading.
Table of Content
What Is Dicyclomine (Bentyl)?
Dicyclomine or bentyl is a medication belonging to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. It is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders most prominently irritable bowel syndrome by reducing peptic and intestinal cramping.
It works mainly by reducing the cramping of smooth muscles in the stomach and intestine. This medication slows down the peristaltic movement of the digestive tract. It also has relaxing effects on the sphincters of the esophagus, stomach, and intestine.
How to Take Dicyclomine?
Dicyclomine comes mainly in the form of dicyclomine HCL. Both liquid and tablet form of this drug is available in the market. You can take Dicyclomine orally with or without food on the prescription of your doctor. If you prefer it in liquid form, be sure to check on the dosage you are taking. You can manage your dose by using a spoon or a measuring cup.
Only 3 to 4 doses of Dicyclomine a day is enough and healthy for a patient. Always start with a low dose at the very beginning of this drug intake. It can also result in several serious side effects, so always prescribe your doctor first before using it.
This medicine is not for children younger than 6 months. Be sure to consult a pediatrician before giving it to babies. Further, if you are already taking some other drugs or suffering from other disorders as well, must inform your doctor. Because there are chances of a drug interaction that further proceed to severe side effects.
Dicyclomine Side Effects
There are always the chances of side effects occurring while taking drugs. Similarly, dicyclomine side effects can vary from acute to severe in their intensity.
Some of the common side effects of Dicyclomine are as follows:
Overdosing or taking this medication with other drugs can result in severe side effects. They include:
- Increased heart rate
- Hallucination
- Dehydration
- Allergic reactions
- Difficult breathing
- Uneasy swallowing
What Is Hyoscyamine (Levbid)?
Hyoscyamine also belongs to an anticholinergic class of drugs. It is a medication that can treat several gastrointestinal disorders mainly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Besides, abdominal ailments, this medication is also in use by patients facing difficulty in the control of urination and bowel movements. Additionally, it can relieve cramping pain.
The working principle of Hyoscyamine is somehow the same as that of Dicyclomine. It also works by slowing down the peristaltic movement in the gut. It reduces the production of gastric acid and slows down digestion, thus reducing stomach load.
How to Take Hyoscyamine?
Always prescribe to your physician before taking Hyoscyamine. There can be an interaction of this drug with other medications that can cause severe side effects.
To make your body tolerant of this drug, always start with low doses. Then, increase its dosage with time with the recommendations of a doctor.
Hyoscyamine Side Effects
There are rarely some medications that come without any side effects. Similarly, if you are taking Hyoscyamine, there are chances of some side effects occurring. Some common Hyoscyamine side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Weak eyesight
- Sweating
- Insomnia
There are also some serious side effects of Hyoscyamine including:
- Increased heart rate
- Difficult urination
- Mood swings
- Sexual inability
- Lack of confidence
Dicyclomine vs Hyoscyamine
People often get confused about, are bentyl and hyoscyamine same. Although both dicyclomine and hyoscyamine belong to the same class of drugs known as anticholinergics, they differ in treating different abdominal disorders. Hyoscyamine is primary for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders including irritable bowel movements (IBS) and gastric ulcers. Dicyclomine on the other hand mainly relieves smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.
As an alkaloid, hyoscyamine is the stereoisomer of atropine, and it differs from dicyclomine. In medicine, atropine is usually used for the treatment of abdominal pain and similar conditions. Similarly, dicyclomine acts by blocking muscarine receptors to control smooth muscle contractions and relaxations. Further, both medications also have different side effects from each other.
Hyoscyamine or Dicyclomine: Which Is Better?
You must be interested in knowing, which is better hyoscyamine vs dicyclomine? Hyoscyamine and Dicyclomine, both should be used depending on the gastrointestinal complications, you are suffering from. You should first recommend your doctor before taking any of them.
Based on the condition you are suffering from, your doctor will decide, which drug is better for you. Further, people taking Hyoscyamine have observed some more side effects as compared to Dicyclomine.
Which Drugs Can Interact With Hyoscyamine?
By altering the way of Hyoscyamine acts as cholinergic, interaction with other drugs can cause severe side effects. Some of the main medications that can interact with Hyoscyamine are as follows:
- Phenothiazines,
- Monoamine oxidases (MAO) inhibitors,
- Other antimuscarinics,
- Amantadine,
- Haloperidol,
- Tricyclic antidepressants or
- Some antihistamines.
- Antacids
Which Drugs Can Interact With Dicyclomine?
Like, Hyoscyamine, Dicyclomine can also react with a variety of drugs. It can react with:
- Amantadine
- MAO inhibitors
- Phenothiazines
- Antidepressants.
- Sedatives
- Narcotics
Some other drugs among urinary medications, cardiac rhythm drugs, gastrointestinal drugs, nitrates, and steroids.
Conclusion
Dicyclomine vs Hyoscyamine, are the same? Many people consider them to be the same drug. But that isn’t the case. In one respect, they both fall into the same class of drugs called anticholinergics. In addition, both of them can treat some gastrointestinal ailments, but their chemical formulas differ significantly. There are also differences in the side effects caused by Hyoscyamine and Dicyclomine.
FAQs
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions to clearly understand the differences between Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine.
Can I Take Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine Together?
There is no need to take both anticholinergics, Dicyclomine, and Hyoscyamine together. Both of them work quite similarly. The disorders and ailments treated by these medicines are also quite relatable. For example, irritable bowel movements can be treated by taking any drug from them. Similarly, both are effective in treating abdominal cramps as well. Besides, Hyoscyamine can treat some other abdominal issues than Dicyclomine. You should first recommend your doctor before taking any of them.
Can I Take Antacids With Dicyclomine?
Antacids can interfere with the absorption of Dicyclomine in the blood. This will reduce the effectiveness of this medication in the body. The ability of Dicyclomine to reduce peristaltic movement is reduced due to the intake of antacids. Therefore, you should avoid taking anticholinergics including Dicyclomine with antacids.
Are Bentyl and Hyoscyamine the Same?
No, they are not the same. Both bentyl and hyoscyamine are anticholinergics and treat many abdominal issues mainly irritable bowel movements. But, there is a difference in their chemical formulas. Further, side effects caused by these medications also differ.
Can Hyoscyamine Cause Serious Side Effects?
Hyoscyamine can result in side effects that can be acute or severe. Common side effects of Hyoscyamine include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, insomnia, laziness, and drowsiness. But if taken in a heavy dose, it can result in severe side effects including myocardial infarction. Interaction of Hyoscyamine with other drugs can also disturb your metabolism to a far extent.
