Uses
What is dicyclomine used for?
Dicyclomine is commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dicyclomine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does dicyclomine work (mechanism of action)?
Dicyclomine helps relieve belly cramps by relaxing the gut muscles and slowing their natural movements.
How is dicyclomine supplied (dosage forms)?
Dicyclomine is available as Bentyl and generic dicyclomine supplied in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 10 mg oral capsules
- 20 mg oral tablets
- 10 mg/5 mL oral liquid
Dicyclomine is also available in an injectable form.
How should I store dicyclomine?
Dicyclomine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from excessive heat or freezing.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of dicyclomine?
The most common side effects of dicyclomine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Feeling unusually weak or tired
- Nervousness
There may be other side effects of dicyclomine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of dicyclomine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of dicyclomine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Nervous System Effects. Taking dicyclomine may affect parts of the nervous system. It can also cause less sweating, which may lead to fever or heat stroke in high temperatures. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Dry mouth and trouble swallowing, talking, or peeing
- Increased thirst
- Dry skin or flushing
- Dilated pupils and sensitivity to light
- Changes in your heartbeat or heart rhythm
- Constipation
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory problems
- Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble with balance or coordination
- A feeling of intense excitement and happiness
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- A feeling of restlessness
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use dicyclomine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take dicyclomine.
- Dicyclomine
- Bentyl
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dicyclomine products they stock.
Infants Under 6 Months of Age. Giving dicyclomine to infants under 6 months has led to cases of severe breathing problems, seizures, fainting, changes in heart rate, muscle weakness, coma, and death. Dicyclomine should not be used in infants under 6 months.
Breastfeeding. Do not take dicyclomine if you are breastfeeding. You must either stop breastfeeding or stop dicyclomine. See the Breastfeeding section below for more details.
Myasthenia Gravis. Myasthenia gravis is a condition that can cause muscle weakness. Dicyclomine can make this condition worse. It should not be used in people who have a history of this condition.
Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that may lead to trouble seeing or blindness because of damage to the optic nerve in your eye. Dicyclomine can make this condition worse or can block the effects of medicines used to treat glaucoma. It should not be used if you have glaucoma.
Blockage of the Urinary Tract. Dicyclomine should not be used if you have a blockage in your urinary tract, also called obstructive uropathy. Dicyclomine can make this condition worse.
Blockage of the Gut. Dicyclomine should not be used if you have a blockage of your gut. Dicyclomine can make this worse.
Severe Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause pain and sores in the lining of your large intestine. Dicyclomine should not be used if you have severe ulcerative colitis. It may slow down the movement in your gut and lead to problems such as severe swelling or a hole in the intestines.
Inflammation of the Esophagus Due To Acid Reflux. Acid reflux can lead to inflammation of the esophagus, sometimes called reflux esophagitis. Dicyclomine should not be used if you have reflux esophagitis.
What should I know about dicyclomine before using it?
Do not take dicyclomine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share dicyclomine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep dicyclomine out of the reach of children.
Dicyclomine can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how dicyclomine affects you.
People who are age 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from dicyclomine. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using dicyclomine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if dicyclomine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following health conditions.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- High blood pressure
- An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Ulcerative colitis
Heart Conditions or a Fast Heartbeat. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of a fast or irregular heartbeat. Also tell your doctor if you have heart failure, heart disease, or too much thyroid hormone. Dicyclomine may cause a fast or irregular heartbeat or palpitations, which may worsen some symptoms of these conditions.
Nerve Damage. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a condition caused by a certain type of nerve damage called autonomic neuropathy. Dicyclomine can affect certain nerves in your body, and it should be used cautiously if you have autonomic neuropathy.
Partial Blockage of the Gut. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a partial blockage of your gut, or if you have an ileostomy or colostomy (openings made in the belly to collect poo). Dicyclomine should not be used and may be harmful if you have a gut blockage.
Infectious Diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a stomach infection or food-related illness. Taking dicyclomine while you have an illness from certain bacteria, sometimes called salmonella dysentery, may lead to severe swelling or a hole in the intestines.
Mental Health Problems. Tell your healthcare provider about any recent and current mental health problems, especially if you have had symptoms such as losing touch with reality or seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real, also called hallucinations.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Dicyclomine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using dicyclomine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dicyclomine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Dicylomine passes into breast milk and may harm a breastfed infant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop dicyclomine or stop breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does dicyclomine interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between dicyclomine and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect dicyclomine. The risk of dizziness, blurred vision, or sleepiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking dicyclomine.
Does dicyclomine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using dicyclomine.
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness (e.g., prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety)
- A medicine used to treat an eye condition called glaucoma
- An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and certain medicines for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, stomach problems, motion sickness, and others
- An antacid, which is a medicine that neutralizes the acid in your stomach to relieve indigestion and heartburn, such as calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide
- A medicine that affects motility in the gut, such as metoclopramide (Reglan, Gimoti)
Dicyclomine may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much dicyclomine?
If you or someone else has used too much dicyclomine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of dicyclomine?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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