What is the Difference Between Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine?

Dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are both anticholinergic medications used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They work by reducing the contraction of the muscles in the intestines. However, there are some differences between the two drugs:

1. Indications: While both drugs are used to treat IBS, hyoscyamine is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders.
2. Side Effects: Some common side effects of dicyclomine include dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, agitation, increased heart rate, heart palpitations, constipation, difficulty urinating, and seizures. Side effects of hyoscyamine include dry eyes, impaired memory, excitement, decreased sweating, dilated pupils, fever, loss of coordination, and more.
3. Brand Names: Dicyclomine is sold under the brand name Bentyl, while hyoscyamine is sold under various brand names such as Anaspaz, Ed-Spaz, Hyosyne, Levbid, Levsin, Levsin SL, NuLev, Oscimin, Symax Duotab, Symax SL, and Symax SR.

In summary, both dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are anticholinergics used to treat IBS, but hyoscyamine is also used for other conditions such as peptic ulcer disease and hypermotility of the lower urinary tract. They have some differences in side effects, with dicyclomine causing issues like agitation, increased heart rate, and seizures, while hyoscyamine may cause dry eyes, impaired memory, and excitement.

Comparative Table: Dicyclomine vs Hyoscyamine

Dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are both anticholinergic medications used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

While both medications have similar uses and side effects, there are some differences. Dicyclomine is specifically used for the relief of colicky pain caused by intestinal muscle spasms in functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome. On the other hand, hyoscyamine is used to treat a wider variety of gastrointestinal problems, including bladder control issues and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the side effects of dicyclomine and hyoscyamine have some variations, such as agitation, increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and seizures for dicyclomine, and dry eyes, impaired memory, excitement, decreased sweating, and dilated pupils for hyoscyamine.