Dicyclomine dosage, forms, and strengths

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Dicyclomine hydrochloride is a generic prescription drug that relieves abdominal pain due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other functional bowel disorders. The brand-name version is Bentyl. Dicyclomine stops bowel spasms and slows down bowel contractions. Doses vary between 10 and 40 mg and can be taken up to four times a day by mouth. Dosage forms include capsules, tablets, and intramuscular injections. 

Dicyclomine dosage for irritable bowel syndrome

Dicyclomine is an intestinal antispasmodic and anticholinergic drug. It relaxes the smooth muscles in the intestines, reducing colon spasms. It may also reduce diarrhea output in people with irritable bowel syndrome or other functional bowel disorders. Clinicians diagnose IBS or functional bowel disorders when symptoms have been present for at least six months and have been present more than three days a month for the most recent three months. 

Dicyclomine has several safety issues because it affects several bodily functions. Side effects can be a problem for some people. In people with certain medical conditions, these effects make dicyclomine too risky to take. After two weeks of treatment, the prescriber will evaluate whether the medicine is working or not. The prescriber may discontinue the drug at that time. 

Dicyclomine safety info

Dicyclomine can cause side effects, typically dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, constipation, and drowsiness. Because of the risk of serious side effects with certain conditions, dicyclomine contraindications include:

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Glaucoma

• Myasthenia gravis

• Urinary obstruction

• Gastrointestinal blockage

• Severe ulcerative colitis

• Reflux esophagitis.

Dicyclomine is never used in nursing mothers or infants younger than 6 months of age. Pregnant women should get medical advice from their prescriber before taking dicyclomine.

Dicyclomine can cause serious and life-threatening adverse effects in people with cardiovascular problems, fever, myasthenia gravis, intestinal obstruction, enlarged prostate (urinary retention), ulcerative colitis, and salmonella dysentery. 

Dicyclomine can cause heat stroke due to decreased sweating.

Some people who are sensitive to anticholinergic drugs could experience psychosis or delirium when taking dicyclomine.

In all these cases, the drug should be discontinued immediately.

Because of its anticholinergic effects, dicyclomine has several potentially serious drug interactions. The list is very long, so tell the prescriber about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being used, particularly:

• Opioids

• Gastrointestinal motility drugs, i.e., metoclopramide

• Allergy or asthma drugs (antihistamines or bronchodilators)

• Motion sickness drugs 

• Heart rhythm drugs

• Glaucoma drugs

• Alzheimer’s drugs

• Parkinson’s disease drugs

• Antipsychotics

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• MAO inhibitors

How to take dicyclomine

Dicyclomine is taken as a tablet, capsule, or oral solution. A healthcare provider administers intramuscular injections. 

• Dicyclomine can be taken with or without food.

• Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a drink of water.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Do not use kitchen measuring devices or regular spoons. 

• Do not take antacids at the same time a dicyclomine dose is taken.

• If you’re taking other medications, take them at least one hour before taking a dose of dicyclomine.

• Store this medicine at room temperature, protected from heat.

Dicyclomine dosage FAQs

How long does it take dicyclomine to work?

Dicyclomine is rapidly absorbed and reduces colon spasms within an hour. Its maximum effects on intestinal muscles occur about 60 to 90 minutes after a dose is taken.

What happens if I miss a dose of dicyclomine?

Take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered, but skip the dose if it’s almost time for the next dose. Because dicyclomine can be taken four times daily, it only takes a few hours for the next dose to be near. Talk to the prescriber about when to skip a missed dose. 

How long can you take dicyclomine?

Healthcare professionals prescribe dicyclomine for both short-term and long-term IBS treatment. If dicyclomine causes significant side effects or worsens existing conditions, the prescriber may need to discontinue the medicine.

Can you overdose on dicyclomine?

Yes. An overdose can cause adverse reactions such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, pupil dilation, urinary retention, and dry skin. Severe adverse reactions include convulsions, weakness, and paralysis. If too much dicyclomine is taken, call a poison control center or get immediate medical help. 

Does dicyclomine relieve abdominal pain?

By preventing intestinal muscle spasms, dicyclomine can provide some relief from abdominal pain. The FDA has not approved dicyclomine as a treatment for abdominal pain that is not due to irritable bowel syndrome or functional bowel disorders.

Does dicyclomine help with bloating?

Dicyclomine reduces gastrointestinal motility and muscle spasms, so it relieves abdominal pain and may improve bowel regularity. Dicyclomine may relieve bloating in some people. Others may experience bloating as a side effect of dicyclomine, but this is uncommon.

Sources

• Dicyclomine hydrochloride capsule/tablet prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine (2020)

• Bentyl drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference

• Dicyclomine hydrochloride injection prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine (2019)

• Dicyclomine hydrochloride oral solution prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine (2023)

• Functional bowel disorders, Gastroenterology

• Symptomatic approach to gas, belching, and bloating with OMT treatment options, Osteopathic Family Physician

• Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with Bentyl (dicyclomine hydrochloride), Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology