Dicyclomine hydrochloride (
Bentyl®) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is especially useful for treating the painful spasms of the digestive tract associated with IBS.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with dicyclomine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Side Effects of Dicyclomine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Dicyclomine?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Dicyclomine is part of a group of medications known as antimuscarinics or anticholinergics. It works by blocking specific receptors (called muscarinic receptors) in the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, helping to relieve the painful spasms associated with IBS. For this reason, dicyclomine is also known as an antispasmodic medication.
When and How to Take Dicyclomine
Some general considerations for those taking dicyclomine include the following:
- The medication comes in capsule, tablet, syrup, and injectable forms. It is usually taken by mouth four times a day. The injectable form is given as an injection into a muscle and is used in people who temporarily cannot take medications by mouth.
- You can take dicyclomine with or without food. If you mainly have symptoms after meals, you may want to take it an hour or so before each meal.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Dicyclomine will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of dicyclomine your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you may be taking
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose of dicyclomine is likely to cause the following effects:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Dilated (wide open) pupils
- Hot, dry skin
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stimulation of the central nervous system (which can cause numerous different effects, such as a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and jitteriness).
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dicyclomine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Is There a Generic Version of Dicyclomine?
Currently, dicyclomine is available in generic form
(see Generic Bentyl for more information).
Dicyclomine is made by Pantheon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Akorn, Inc., and is marketed by Axcan Scandipharm, Inc. It is sold under the brand name
Bentyl. Generic dicyclomine is made by several different manufacturers.
Dicyclomine comes in the following strengths and forms:
- Dicyclomine 10 mg capsules
- Dicyclomine 20 mg tablets
- Dicyclomine 10 mg/5 mL syrup (with 10 mg per teaspoonful)
- Dicyclomine 20 mg/2 mL injection.
