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Dicycloverine

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Dicycloverine, also called dicyclomine, is a medicine that helps with intestinal spasms, like the ones you get with irritable bowel syndrome.

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The content on this page is not medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only. Always consult your health care provider or pharmacist to determine what medication and dosage are right for you.

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Last updatedMay 22, 2023

Dicycloverine

Dicycloverine, also known as dicyclomine and sold under the brand name Bentyl in the US, is a medication used to alleviate intestinal spasms commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome.It can be taken orally or administered through an injection into a muscle.

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Generic name

Bentyl
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Rx or OTC

Dicycloverine is available only by prescription.

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When & How

Can be taken with or without food.

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Discuss with your doctor

Drowsiness and Blurred Vision: You may feel sleepy or have difficulty focusing your eyes clearly.

Diarrhea: Some people may experience loose stools or increased frequency of bowel movements.

Heat Prostration: In hot environments, there is a risk of overheating, leading to symptoms like weakness and dizziness.

Psychosis and Delirium: Elderly individuals and those with mental illness may be more susceptible to these conditions, which can cause confusion or changes in perception.

Palpitations and Tachyarrhythmia: You may feel your heart beating rapidly or irregularly.

Eye-related Issues: These can include dilation of the pupils, difficulty with near vision, and sensitivity to light.

Gastrointestinal Problems: Dry mouth, increased thirst, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and indigestion are potential symptoms.

General Discomfort: Fatigue and weakness may occur.

Appetite Changes: You may experience a decrease in appetite.

Nervous System Effects: Dizziness, sedation (feeling sleepy), headaches, and nervousness are possible.

Sleep Difficulties: Insomnia, or difficulty falling or staying asleep, may occur.

Urinary Issues: Some people may experience discomfort or pain during urination.

Impact on the Reproductive System: The medication can inhibit lactation in breastfeeding individuals.

Respiratory Concerns: Shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and decreased secretion in the airways may occur.

Skin Reactions: Rashes, allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation due to an allergy), and redness may develop.

Vascular Effects: Flushing, a sensation of warmth and redness in the skin, can occur.

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What is Dicycloverine?

Dicycloverine, also called dicyclomine, is a medicine that helps with intestinal spasms, like the ones you get with irritable bowel syndrome. You can take it by mouth or get an injection in your muscle.

You might experience some common side effects like having a dry mouth, blurry vision, feeling weak, sleepy, or lightheaded. In babies, it could cause serious side effects like breathing problems or even psychosis. It seems to be safe to use during pregnancy, but it's not recommended while breastfeeding. We're not entirely sure how it works.

Dicycloverine got approved for medical use in the United States in 1950. You can find it as a generic medication.

Dicycloverine dosages
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Tablets

Irritable bowel syndrome: If you can't take medication by mouth, you can take it as a shot in your muscle at 10-20 mg, 4x per day for 1-2 days.

Gastrointestinal spasm: For adults, dosage is usually 10-20mg, 3x per day.For children 6 months to 2-years-old, 5-10mg 3-4x daily. For kids between 2 and 12, 10mg, 3x per day. Finally, for kids over 12, they can take the same dosage as adults.

Side effects

Disclaimer

Medications may affect individuals differently. Usage of any medication may include side effects and other interactions. Here is a list of known common side effects and interactions. This list is not exhaustive -- there may be other side effects or interactions for this medication that are not listed here. In some cases, the likelihood of side effects or interactions may increase depending on dosage. It’s important to keep in mind that in extreme cases, other serious side effects, even death, may occur. Always consult your health care provider or pharmacist to determine what medication and dosage is right for you.

Dicycloverine interactions

Disclaimer

Medications may affect individuals differently. Usage of any medication may include side effects and other interactions. Here is a list of known common side effects and interactions. This list is not exhaustive -- there may be other side effects or interactions for this medication that are not listed here. In some cases, the likelihood of side effects or interactions may increase depending on dosage. It’s important to keep in mind that in extreme cases, other serious side effects, even death, may occur. Always consult your health care provider or pharmacist to determine what medication and dosage is right for you.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications or supplements

Increased Adverse Effects with Other Anticholinergic Agents: When combined with medications that also have anticholinergic properties, such as amantadine, quinidine, antihistamines, phenothiazines, benzodiazepines, MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), meperidine, nitrates and nitrites, TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants), or sympathomimetic agents, there is a potential for stronger and more noticeable side effects.

Antagonistic Effects on Antiglaucoma Agents: This medication may counteract the effects of drugs used to treat glaucoma.

Diminished Effects of Gastrokinetic Drugs: If you are taking medications to improve gastrointestinal motility, such as metoclopramide, this medication may reduce their effectiveness.

Altered Absorption with Antacids: When taken together with antacids, the absorption of this medication may be affected.

Dicycloverine pricing

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