I've been taking Donnatal for 50 years and suddenly find that the only form I can find is the brand name (available for only $440 or so for 100 pills). The last time I purchased it (about 2 years ago) it was 25 cents per pill.
Where can I purchase Donnatal generic (preferably pill form)?
Question posted by joalf123 on 22 Jan 2013
Last updated on 20 June 2019
5 Answers
AEBlackstock
21 Aug 2017
I currently take Donnatal and my local pharmacy compounds it for me. I'd recommend finding a pharmacy near you that compounds (most places have at least one in the area) and get your doctor to write a prescription for the components instead of the trade name. (For example: Phenobarb 16.2mg Hyos 0.1037 Atrop... ) That's what it says on my prescription instead of a name. I think my doctor writes it as Phenobarbital and Belladonna with numbers for mg, but your doctor might write it differently. I'd recommend just explaining the predicament to your doctor, as they'll probably know how to do it on their own and could recommend a pharmacy (especially if it's an older physician). As far as price, there could be an issue depending on the pharmacy. Compounded medications aren't covered by insurance so you'll have to pay out of pocket, regardless I only pay about $40 for 60 capsules.
(Which is still a lot better than $400+ for 100.) I hope this helps and I recommend keeping compounding in mind for other medications, if you have a good, local pharmacy who doesn't price-gouge. (Some of my medications aren't even available under their trade names anymore, but I can still get them compounded at my local 'mom & pop' place.)
mpkoslowski
17 Dec 2014
You may be eligible to receive the brand Donnatal at no charge through their patient assistance progam. If you're on Medicare or Medicaid you automatically qualify. Call Concordiarx.com to find out how to apply.
shopstomuch69
2 April 2013
You can check some old mom/pop type drug stores. A diff company bought it out & now only brand name is available as user #2 pointed out. I went to one pharmacy & they quoted me a price of around $150.00. Checked w/ my local Rite Aid & he had just enough to fill my prescrip w/ generic which cost me around $30.00. Then the next time the Rite Aid was out of the generic so I called a little mom/pop pharmacy & they had enough generic to fill my prescrip. I guess next month I will be looking for more generic @ diff pharmacies. My ins won't pay for 2 reasons... 1, only brand name available & 2, they say Bentyl or Levisin work just as well & plenty of generic. I disagree as the Donnatal has worked 10x better than the others. That's really al the info I have & it came from my pharmacist.
Ruby stiles
20 June 2019
I’m in agreement with you, i was also told Bentayl was as effective, it’s not. I was on belladonna years ago for IBS it was amazing relief, however since it’s a controlled substance some providers will not even go there it’s a shame because so many people are suffering as a result of medication that doesn’t work..
roxygirl26529
30 March 2013
They stopped making the generic form of donnatal. I am on it fir esophageal spasms.The pharmacy said it was a way to cut costs and looked at how much they sold of it and decided to get rid of it.
Zhulie
29 May 2018
Simple Greed drives the US drug manufacturers.
We, as voters, need to Demand price controls on all drugs. They have them in Europe and Canada. Mexico? Will sell Anything without an Rx.
kaismama
22 Jan 2013
Any pharmacy should be able to get the generic for you. I don't where the manufacturers found the b+++ to charge that much for such an old drug.
Zhulie
29 May 2018
I have the US drug rep on my phone. I was quoted, last year, $ 961 for 90 tabs! I have taken it since 1969. It used to cost $10/boxcar load! Just what is up with that?
Related topics
donnatal, irritable bowel syndrome, generic
Further information
- Donnatal uses and safety info
- Donnatal prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Donnatal (detailed)
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