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Medically Approved

Dicyclomine oral capsule dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthDosageFAQHow it’s takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctor
Doctors prescribe dicyclomine oral capsule for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You take it by mouth four times per day.
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes dicyclomine oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for dicyclomine. To learn more about dicyclomine oral capsule, talk with your doctor.

Dicyclomine oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Bentyl. But this form of dicyclomine is no longer available in a brand-name version. Dicyclomine also comes in an injectable form and other forms taken by mouth, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.

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Form and strength of dicyclomine

Dicyclomine oral capsule comes as follows:

  • Form: oral capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strength: 10 milligrams (mg)

Dosage of dicyclomine

This article describes the recommended dosages for dicyclomine oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of dicyclomine oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of dicyclomine in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of dicyclomine oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of dicyclomine oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The usual recommended dosage of dicyclomine in adults for IBS is:

  • Starting dosage: 20 mg four times per day
  • Maintenance dosage: based on how your condition responds
  • Maximum dosage: 40 mg four times per day

Dosage adjustments for dicyclomine

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of dicyclomine oral capsule based on several factors. These include:

  • how severe your condition is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have
  • whether you begin experiencing side effects, such as fast or irregular heart rate

Missed dose of dicyclomine

If you forget to take a dose of dicyclomine oral capsule, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of dicyclomine oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about dicyclomine oral capsule and its dosage.

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How long does it take for dicyclomine to start working?

Dicyclomine begins working 60 to 90 minutes after you take a dose. If you have questions about how long it takes dicyclomine to start working, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is dicyclomine taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe dicyclomine oral capsule as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.

If you have questions about how long you should take dicyclomine oral capsule, talk with your doctor.

How dicyclomine is taken

You’ll swallow dicyclomine oral capsule four times per day.

If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Dicyclomine coupon

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Overdose of dicyclomine

It’s important that you do not take more dicyclomine oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of dicyclomine overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much dicyclomine

If you think you’ve taken too much dicyclomine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for dicyclomine oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of dicyclomine oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take dicyclomine oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will a different dosage of dicyclomine oral capsule raise or lower my risk of side effects from the drug?
  • Will you need to change my dosage of dicyclomine oral capsule if I’m taking other drugs with it?
  • How often will you be adjusting my dosage of dicyclomine oral capsule?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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