Andrey Nailor, M.D.·Published 14 September 2004·3 min read
Key points
DICYCLOMINE (Bentyl) treats different bowel problems including diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Dicyclomine injection
What is dicyclomine injection?
DICYCLOMINE (Bentyl) treats different bowel problems including diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. It is believed to be effective in reducing spasm of the bowel. Generic dicyclomine injections are available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive dicyclomine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blood vessel disease
difficulty passing urine
esophagus problems or heartburn
glaucoma
heart disease, or previous heart attack
hiatal hernia
liver disease
kidney disease
myasthenia gravis
nervous system disorder
over active thyroid
prostate trouble
stomach infection, or obstruction
ulcerative colitis
an unusual or allergic reaction to dicyclomine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Dicyclomine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with dicyclomine?
amantadine
antacids
benztropine
cisapride
digoxin
disopyramide
donepezil
erythromycin
galantamine
metoclopramide
medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems (such as diazepam or temazepam)
medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
medicines for diarrhea
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
medicines for pain
rivastigmine
tacrine
tegaserod
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving dicyclomine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
agitation, nervousness, confusion
blurred vision and other eye problems
decreased sweating
difficulty swallowing
dizziness, drowsiness
fast or slow heartbeat
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
pain or difficulty passing urine
slurred speech
unusual weakness or tiredness
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
difficulty sleeping
dry mouth, change in taste
headache
increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
nausea
sexual difficulty (impotence)
What should I watch for while taking dicyclomine?
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how dicyclomine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, avoid alcoholic drinks.
Stay out of bright light and wear sunglasses if dicyclomine makes your eyes more sensitive to light. Avoid extreme heat (e.g., hot tubs, saunas). Dicyclomine can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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