Dicyclomine Hydrochloride
Brand Name: Bentyl
Generic Available
Common Dosage Forms:
Capsules: 10 mg
Tablets: 20 mg
Syrup: 10 mg/5 mL
Injection: 10 mg/mL
FDA Indications/Dosages:
Treatment of functional and irritable bowel syndromes: Oral: 10-20 mg three to four times daily, 30 minutes before meals. Intramuscular: 20 mg four times a day.
Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Dicyclomine HCl causes inhibition of acetylcholine at postganglionic parasympathetic receptor sites in smooth muscle, secretory gland tissue, and to less degree in the central nervous system. Dicyclomine HCl intramuscular injection is approximately twice as bioavailable as oral dosage forms. Peak plasma levels are reached in 60-90 minutes after an oral dose with an initial half-life of 2 hours. A secondary phase of elimination has a slightly longer half-life. Excretion occurs primarily through the urine.
Drug Interactions: May decrease the actions of phenothiazines and haloperidol.
Contraindications/Precautions: Contraindicated in patients with urinary tract or intestinal obstruction, intestinal atony, unstable cardiovascular status in acute hemorrhage, myasthenia gravis, severe ulcerative colitis, paralytic ileus, or glaucoma, and in ifants less than 6 months of age. Use with caution in patients with prostatic hypertrophy, autonomic neuropathy, hepatic or renal disease, ulcerative colitis, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and in patients with a hiatal hernia associated with reflux esophagitis. Pregnancy Category C.
Adverse Effects: Dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, and difficulty in urination.
Patient Consultation:
May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use care with operating machinery or when mental alertness is required.
Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
May cause dry mouth or difficulty in urination.
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.
Contact a physician if the above side effects are severe or persistent.
If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.