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Dicyclomine: Uses, How It Works, Medicines

Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം

Dicyclomine (also called dicycloverine) is an antispasmodic medicine used to relieve cramping pain caused by spasm of the stomach and intestine muscles. It is used for abdominal cramps and for cramping pain linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In India it is also sold combined with mefenamic acid, a painkiller, for period pain and cramps.

Also known as: Dicycloverine, Dicyclomine hydrochloride, Dicycloverine hydrochloride, Dicyclomine HCl, Dicyclomine tablet

Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.

How does Dicyclomine work?

Dicyclomine blocks acetylcholine, a nerve messenger that tells the smooth muscle of the gut to contract, and it also relaxes the muscle directly. This calms painful spasm. Blocking acetylcholine elsewhere in the body explains side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and drowsiness.

How to take Dicyclomine

Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Dicyclomine is usually taken a few times a day, and the dose depends on the product and age. It should not be given to babies under 6 months, and children's doses must be set by a doctor.

Side effects of Dicyclomine

Many side effects of dicyclomine come from blocking acetylcholine in other parts of the body, so a dry mouth is the most typical one. Most are mild.

Uncommon or mild

  • Dry mouth and thirst
  • Dizziness, drowsiness or tiredness
  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation
  • Nausea or stomach upset
  • Headache
  • Reduced sweating

Rare but serious: get medical help

  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing or a sudden widespread rash
  • Confusion, hallucinations or unusual agitation, especially in older people
  • A fast or pounding heartbeat
  • Difficulty passing urine, or being unable to pass urine
  • Eye pain, redness or sudden vision changes, which can signal raised eye pressure
  • High body temperature with hot, dry skin in hot weather (heat stroke)
  • Breathing problems or unusual drowsiness in a baby or young child

Who should be careful

Dicyclomine is not suitable for everyone. Check with a doctor first if any of the following apply.

  • Glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye)
  • Enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • A blockage or severe inflammation in the gut, or severe ulcerative colitis
  • Reflux with inflammation of the food pipe
  • Babies under 6 months: it must not be given
  • Age over 65: confusion, constipation and urinary problems are more likely
  • Hot weather or hard physical work: it reduces sweating, which raises the risk of overheating
  • Driving or using machines: it can cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask your doctor; dicyclomine can pass into breast milk

Medicines and things that interact with Dicyclomine

The medicines below can add to dicyclomine's dry-mouth and drowsiness effects or change how it works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.

  • Other medicines with anticholinergic effects, such as some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants (for example amitriptyline) and antipsychotics: more dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, drowsiness and confusion
  • Metoclopramide and domperidone (for nausea): dicyclomine works against their effect on the gut
  • Antacids: they can reduce absorption of dicyclomine, so ask a pharmacist how to space the doses
  • Alcohol, sedatives and sleeping tablets: drowsiness can get worse
  • Slow-dissolving potassium tablets: slower gut movement may raise the risk of irritation

If someone takes too much

Too much dicyclomine can cause hot, dry skin, wide pupils, a fast heartbeat, confusion, muscle weakness and breathing difficulty. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital immediately and take the medicine pack with you.

Regulatory status in India

Approved for sale in India. Dicyclomine is sold alone and in fixed combinations (for example with mefenamic acid). Check the ingredient list on the pack.

Type of medicine

Dicyclomine belongs to this type of medicine.

Medicines that contain Dicyclomine

These medicines sold in India contain Dicyclomine. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.

What is Dicyclomine used for?

Combination medicines that contain Dicyclomine are used for these conditions.

Common questions

Can babies be given dicyclomine?

Only on a doctor's advice. Dicyclomine labels say it must not be given to babies under 6 months, because of reports of serious breathing problems. Children's drops and syrups should be given only at the dose a doctor sets.

Who needs to be careful with dicyclomine?

People with glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine, myasthenia gravis, or a blockage in the gut should ask a doctor first. It can cause drowsiness and blurred vision, so take care when driving, and it reduces sweating, which raises the risk of overheating in hot weather.

Is Meftal Spas the same as dicyclomine?

Not exactly. Meftal Spas is a brand whose tablet contains dicyclomine together with mefenamic acid, a painkiller. Dicyclomine is one of its two ingredients. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack.

Is dicyclomine the same as dicycloverine?

Yes. Dicycloverine is the name used in the UK and dicyclomine in the US; India uses both. They are the same medicine, so check labels to avoid taking two products containing it together.

Can alcohol be taken with dicyclomine?

Alcohol can add to the drowsiness and dizziness that dicyclomine may cause, so it is best avoided. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Is dicyclomine safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Ask your doctor before using it. Small amounts can pass into breast milk, and young babies are sensitive to it. A doctor will decide whether it suits your situation.

Should dicyclomine be taken before or after food?

Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Many labels advise taking it before meals, but some products differ. Check the pack for your product.

Sources

  1. BENTYL (dicyclomine hydrochloride) prescribing information. US Food and Drug Administration
  2. Dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet label. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
  3. Dicycloverine 10 mg Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics. electronic medicines compendium (emc), UK
  4. National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission