Dicyclomine Side Effects
Some side effects of dicyclomine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.
For the Consumer
Applies to dicyclomine: oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking dicyclomine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using dicyclomine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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severe constipation, bloating, or stomach pain;
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worsening of diarrhea or other irritable bowel symptoms;
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feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin
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confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.
Less serious side effects of dicyclomine may include:
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drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nervousness;
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blurred vision;
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dry mouth, stuffy nose; or
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mild constipation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to dicyclomine: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects commonly observed have included inhibition of exocrine sweat glands. This is usually not clinically significant except when perspiration becomes a major factor in body temperature control.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported the most frequently. These have included the anticholinergic effects of dry mouth and mucous membranes. Other reported side effects have included delayed gastric emptying time, reduced gastric acid secretion, nausea, constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects have included tachycardia and palpitations from muscarinic blockade.
General
General side effects have included dicyclomine toxicity (anticholinergic side effects) which often presents with fever, tachycardia, agitation, and dry skin/mucous membranes.
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects have frequently included urinary retention as a result of the anticholinergic effects on the urinary sphincter and dose-related, and impotence in male patients. Postmarketing reports include suppressed lactation.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have included lethargy and somnolence. Higher doses may be associated with mental confusion and/or excitement. The elderly appear to be more prone to the anticholinergic effects of dicyclomine on the CNS.
Ocular
Ocular side effects due to the anticholinergic activity of dicyclomine have included inhibition of the iris sphincter muscle (possibly resulting in mydriasis), follicular conjunctivitis, and inhibition of the ciliary muscle (which can produce blurred vision). All muscarinic antagonists can precipitate glaucoma.
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity side effects have been reported rarely. These have included urticaria, pruritus, edema, hypotension, abdominal pain, tachypnea, and nausea and vomiting.
Psychiatric
Postmarketing side effects include symptoms and cases of delirium (amnesia or transient global amnesia), nervousness, agitation, confusional state, delusion, disorientation, hallucination (including visual hallucination), and mania (mood altered and pseudodementia).
Respiratory
Postmarketing side effects include dyspnea and nasal congestion.
More dicyclomine resources
- dicyclomine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- dicyclomine Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- Dicyclomine Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Bentyl Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Bentyl Monograph (AHFS DI)
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