Dicyclomine
Generic Bentyl
Dicyclomine (dye SYE kloe meen) is a generic medication prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine belongs to a group of drugs called antispasmodics.
Dicyclomine (dye SYE kloe meen) is a generic medication prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine belongs to a group of drugs called antispasmodics.
- Generic
- • Capsule
- • 10mg
- • 90 Capsules
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS
Updated on October 19, 2023
Dicyclomine (dye SYE kloe meen) is a generic medication prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine belongs to a group of drugs called antispasmodics.
FAQ
Common questions about dicyclomine
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about dicyclomine.
Can dicyclomine be used for weight loss or acid reflux?
No. Dicyclomine isn’t known to cause weight loss or reduce acid reflux.
In fact, dyspepsia* (heartburn or indigestion) has been reported in people taking the drug. This is also a symptom of acid reflux.
Dicyclomine should not be used in people with reflux due to esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). (The esophagus is the tube connecting your mouth and stomach.) Doctors aren’t likely to prescribe dicyclomine to someone with this condition because it might make the condition worse.
Dicyclomine is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about dicyclomine’s uses.
* This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use. For details about dicyclomine’s studies, see the prescribing information for the drug in the “Resources” section.
How does dicyclomine work? And how long does it take to start working?
Dicyclomine works by relaxing muscles in the digestive tract. This helps relieve and prevent muscle spasms that can contribute to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dicyclomine starts working quickly, usually within 1–2 hours after you take a dose.
If you’d like to know more about dicyclomine’s mechanism of action (how it works), talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of dicyclomine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as dicyclomine for certain conditions. Approved uses for dicyclomine are described below.
Use for irritable bowel syndrome
Doctors may prescribe dicyclomine for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s used for this purpose in adults.
The oral forms of dicyclomine (capsule, tablet, and liquid solution) may be prescribed as a long-term treatment. The injection form of dicyclomine is a short-term treatment. It’s given as an injection into a muscle for 1 or 2 days if someone cannot take medications by mouth (during a hospital stay, for example).
IBS is a type of functional bowel disorder. With IBS, you have digestive symptoms that keep coming back. Symptoms commonly include:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- a feeling of incomplete bowel movements
Side effects
Side effects of dicyclomine
Dicyclomine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of dicyclomine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about dicyclomine’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for dicyclomine listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of dicyclomine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of dicyclomine your doctor prescribes.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about dicyclomine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for dicyclomine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Mild side effects of oral dosage forms of dicyclomine (capsule, tablet, and liquid solution) may include:
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- nausea
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for dicyclomine” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of dicyclomine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of dicyclomine your doctor prescribes.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about dicyclomine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for dicyclomine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, dicyclomine’s serious side effects* include:
- cardiovascular (heart or blood vessel) problems, such as rapid heart rate or palpitations (a feeling that your heart is skipping or adding beats)
- changes in behavior or mood, such as confusion or psychosis (loss of touch with reality)
- producing less sweat than usual, especially in hot weather, which may cause increased body temperature or lead to heat stroke
- severe allergic reaction†
* These side effects weren’t reported in studies of the drug. But they have occurred in people after the drug was approved for use or in people taking other drugs that act in a similar way. For details about dicyclomine’s studies, see its prescribing information in the “Resources” section.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for dicyclomine” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for dicyclomine
Below, you’ll find information about dicyclomine’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of dicyclomine
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you start dicyclomine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for dicyclomine” section below.
Warnings for dicyclomine
Some people should not take or use dicyclomine, and others should take or use it cautiously.
Dicyclomine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether dicyclomine is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for dicyclomine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Dicyclomine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to dicyclomine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe dicyclomine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to dicyclomine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of dicyclomine
If you take dicyclomine by mouth, you should not take more dicyclomine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and dicyclomine
Information about dicyclomine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Dicyclomine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether dicyclomine should be taken or used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before starting this medication.
Dicyclomine and breastfeeding
Dicyclomine should not be taken or used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before starting this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with dicyclomine.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about dicyclomine or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do any of my medical conditions raise my risk of having side effects with dicyclomine?
- Should I take dicyclomine all the time or only as needed for my irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms?
- Does dicyclomine interact with any of my other medications or supplements?
Resources
Resources
- Dicyclomine hydrochloride capsules, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d0954a7a-812b-487e-8c22-2a2a58303277/spl-doc
- Dicyclomine hydrochloride injection, for intramuscular use. (2019). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/350ce812-b9a7-401a-9793-55d2e14bb760/spl-doc
- Dicyclomine hydrochloride oral solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/aa5bd79d-7f18-4032-8862-0c5429b2ecaf/spl-doc
- Dicyclomine hydrochloride tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d81b93f8-bebc-455e-82b6-9a3de3f82e92/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
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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