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Levsin vs. Linzess

Are Levsin and Linzess the Same Thing?

Levsin (hyoscyamine) and Linzess (linaclotide) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Levsin (hyoscyamine) is used to treat different stomach and intestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer. Levsin is also used to control muscle spasms in the bladder, kidneys, or digestive tract, and to reduce stomach acid. Levsin is sometimes used to reduce tremors and rigid muscles in people with symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and is also used as a drying agent to control excessive salivation, runny nose, or excessive sweating.

Linzess is specifically used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and is also used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults.

Levsin and Linzess belong to different drug classes. Levsin is one of the principal anticholinergic/antispasmodic components of belladonna alkaloids and Linzess is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist.

Side effects of Levsin and Linzess that are similar include headache, vomiting, bloating, or heartburn.

Side effects of Levsin that are different from Linzess include dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, blurred vision, dry mouth, vision problems, trouble sleeping (insomnia), constipation, nausea, changes in taste, problems with urination, impotence, loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, flushing, dry skin, and decreased sweating.

Side effects of Linzess that are different from Levsin include diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain or discomfort, gas, or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, or sinus pain.

Levsin may interact with alcohol, amantadine, haloperidol, MAO inhibitors, phenothiazines, or antidepressants.

Linzess may interact with other drugs.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Levsin?

Common side effects of Levsin include:

  • dizziness,
  • drowsiness,
  • nervousness,
  • blurred vision,
  • dry mouth,
  • vision problems,
  • headache,
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia),
  • constipation,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • bloating,
  • heartburn,
  • changes in taste,
  • problems with urination,
  • impotence,
  • loss of interest in sex,
  • trouble having an orgasm,
  • flushing,
  • dry skin, and
  • decreased sweating.

Tell your doctor if you experience unlikely but serious side effects of Levsin including:

  • mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, unusual excitement),
  • fast/irregular heartbeat,
  • loss of coordination, or
  • slurred speech.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Linzess?

Common side effects of Linzess include:

  • diarrhea,
  • stomach/abdominal pain or discomfort,
  • gas,
  • bloating,
  • heartburn,
  • vomiting,
  • headache, or
  • cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, or sinus pain.

What Is Levsin?

Levsin (hyoscyamine) is one of the principal anticholinergic/antispasmodic components of belladonna alkaloids used to treat different stomach and intestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome. Levsin is also used to control muscle spasms in the bladder, kidneys, or digestive tract, and to reduce stomach acid. Levsin is sometimes used to reduce tremors and rigid muscles in people with symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and is also used as a drying agent to control excessive salivation, runny nose, or excessive sweating. Levsin is available in generic form.

What Is Linzess?

Linzess (linaclotide) is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults.

 

What Drugs Interact With Levsin?

Levsin may interact with amantadine, haloperidol, MAO inhibitors, phenothiazines, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Levsin should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What Drugs Interact With Linzess?

Linzess may interact with other drugs.

 

How Should Levsin Be Taken?

Dosage of Levsin for adults and children 12 years of age and older: 1 to 2 tablets every four hours or as needed. Do not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours. Pediatric patients 2 to under 12 years of age: ½ to 1 tablet every four hours or as needed. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.

How Should Linzess Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Linzess for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is 290 mcg taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. The same applies for those with chronic idiopathic constipation only the dosage is 145 mcg. Pediatric patients under the age of 17 should not take Linzess.