Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: GI Antispasmodics

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Digestive


Levbid was prescribed to me as a GI antispasmodic (I have had some lower colon spasms that can be very painful). After taking the medication for two weeks it caused a flare up of tinnitus which got very loud, and distracting, so I stopped taking the medication. The tinnitus has since significantly subsided but I do not want to go through that episode again. I conveyed this to my doctor and he recommended that I switch to Levsin as the antispasmodic. I checked the online USP database and it appears as if Levbid and Levsin are the same formulation and may therefore cause the same adverse reaction. My question is: is there a difference between the two drugs, and if so what is the difference? If there is not a difference, is there an alternative GI antispasmodic medication that could be recommended?. Thank you very much.

Dear Howard B.,

Both Levbid and Levsin are formulations of hyoscyamine sulfate. Levbid contains O.375 mg of hyoscyamine and is formulated as an extended release tablet that can be taken twice daily. Levsin contains 0.125 mg of hyoscyamine and is formulated for short-term oral administration. Levsin SL also contains 0.125 mg of hyoscyamine, but can be administered by mouth or under the tongue. Levsin SL can be used for fast, short acting relief of spasm. Other antispasmodic agents that have been used include Bentyl (dicyclomine) and Librax (combination of chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide). I hope you find this information helpful.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or
consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an
appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.

HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: antispasmodic agents


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