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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 Aug 4, 2023. 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.

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:

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

Common side effects of dicyclomine may include:

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.

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:

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:

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.

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

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.

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:

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.

Further 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.

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