Dicyclomine Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Dicyclomine

Generic name: dicyclomine (oral/injection) [ dye-SYE-kloe-meen ]
Brand names: Bentyl, Dibent, Dicyclocot
Dosage forms: intramuscular solution (10 mg/mL); oral capsule (10 mg); oral syrup (10 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (20 mg)
Drug class: Anticholinergics / antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 8, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is dicyclomine?

Dicyclomine is used to treat functional bowel or irritable bowel syndrome.

Dicyclomine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Many drugs can affect dicyclomine. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use dicyclomine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

- glaucoma;

- a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

- a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

- severe ulcerative colitis;

- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);

- a serious heart condition and active bleeding;

- myasthenia gravis; or

- if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Dicyclomine should never be given to a child younger than 6 months old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- heart problems or high blood pressure;

- a stroke;

- ulcerative colitis;

- an ileostomy or colostomy;

- an enlarged prostate; or

- liver or kidney disease.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of dicyclomine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

## How should I take dicyclomine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Dicyclomine oral is taken by mouth.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Dicyclomine injection is given in a muscle if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, weakness or loss of movement in any part of your body, trouble swallowing, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

## What should I avoid while taking dicyclomine?

May cause dizziness or blurred vision. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how dicyclomine will affect you.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Dicyclomine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke. Tell your doctor if you have a fever while taking dicyclomine.

Avoid using an antacid. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb dicyclomine oral.

## Dicyclomine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dicyclomine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- fast or slow heartbeats, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

- confusion, agitation, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

- problems with memory or speech;

- problems with balance or muscle movement;

- diarrhea, severe constipation, or worsening of bowel symptoms;

- trouble swallowing;

- bruising, swelling, or pain where a dicyclomine injection was given; or

- dehydration --dizziness, confusion, feeling very thirsty, less urination or sweating.

Confusion and mood or behavior changes may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of dicyclomine may include:

- drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nervousness;

- blurred vision;

- dry mouth; or

- nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dicyclomine side effects (more detail)

## Dicyclomine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Oral:
Initial dose: 20 mg orally four times a day
Maintenance dose: Up to 40 mg orally four times a day, after one week with initial dose
Comments:
-Discontinue this drug if efficacy is not achieved within 2 weeks or side effects require doses below 80 mg per day.
-Documented safety data are not available for doses above 80 mg daily for periods longer than 2 weeks.
Intramuscular:
10 to 20 mg four times a day
Duration of therapy: 1 or 2 weeks, when patient cannot take oral form
Comments: Administer injection via IM only
Uses: Treatment of patients with functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome

Detailed Dicyclomine dosage information

## What other drugs will affect dicyclomine?

Using dicyclomine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect dicyclomine, especially:

- bronchodilator asthma medication;

- cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

- glaucoma medication;

- heart medication;

- medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;

- medicine to treat overactive bladder;

- medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; or

- medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect dicyclomine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Dicyclomine drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about dicyclomine

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (274)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: anticholinergics/antispasmodics
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Patient Information
- Dicyclomine Injection
- Dicyclomine Syrup and Oral Solution

#### Other brands

Bentyl

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Irritable Bowel Syndrome

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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