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Dicyclomine (By mouth)

Dicyclomine (dye-SYE-kloe-meen)

Treats irritable bowel syndrome.

Brand Name(s):

Bentyl

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dicyclomine. Do not use this medicine if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or trouble urinating because of a blockage (such as an enlarged prostate). Make sure your doctor knows about all digestion problems you have, including reflux esophagitis (GERD), or severe ulcerative colitis. You should not use this medicine if you are breast feeding. This medicine should not be given to infants less than 6 months old.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush or chew.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using amantadine (Symmetrel®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), or a belladonna medicine such as atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, Anaspaz®, Arco-Lase® Plus, or Donnatal®. Tell your doctor if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®.
  • Tell your doctor if you are also using narcotic pain medicine, medicine for heart rhythm problems, an antihistamine, medicine to treat depression, phenothiazines (medicines to treat certain mental problems or severe nausea or vomiting), or a steroid medicine. Meperidine (Demerol®) is a narcotic pain medicine. Some medicines for heart rhythm problems are disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, Cardioquin®, Norpace®, Procanbid®, or Quinaglute®. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) is an antihistamine. Some phenothiazine medicines are Compazine®, Mellaril®, Phenergan®, Serentil®, Tacaryl®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®. Some medicines to treat depression are amitriptyline, nortriptyline, Norpramin®, or Vivactil®. Cortisone and prednisone are steroid medicines.
  • You should not use dicyclomine within 2 to 3 hours of taking antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®) or medicine to stop diarrhea.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or overactive thyroid. Tell your doctor about any heart or blood vessel problems you have, including heart rhythm problems, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure. Make sure your doctor knows if you have ongoing diarrhea, or an ileostomy or colostomy. Tell your doctor if you have autonomic neuropathy (a nerve problem), or a hiatal hernia (problems with your esophagus).
  • This medicine may make you sweat less. Your body could get too hot if you do not sweat enough. Stay out of hot places. Try to stay indoors or somewhere cool during hot weather. If you have a fever, call your doctor for advice. If your body gets too hot, you might feel dizzy, weak, tired, or confused. You might have an upset stomach or vomit. Call your doctor if you are too hot and cannot cool down.
  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Your eyes may be more sensitive to bright light while you are using this medicine. You may want to wear sunglasses in bright sunlight.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Fast or uneven heartbeat.
  • Restlessness, agitation, or confusion.
  • Severe dizziness or light-headedness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Drowsiness or weakness.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or stomach pain.
  • Trouble focusing or other vision changes.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 4/23/2024

 
 
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