What is Dicyclomine Hydrochloride?
Dicyclomine hydrochloride is a medication classified as an anticholinergic and antispasmodic agent. It is used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including abdominal cramps, discomfort, and pain.
Dicyclomine works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to reduce spasms and alleviate symptoms associated with bowel disorders. It is typically taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules.
Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Uses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): To relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
- Functional Bowel Disorders: To alleviate spasms and symptoms of functional bowel disorders, including spastic colon and colitis.
- Gastrointestinal Conditions: It may be used to manage symptoms of other gastrointestinal disorders characterized by smooth muscle spasms, such as diverticulitis and peptic ulcer disease.
- Diagnostic Procedures: Occasionally used to reduce spasms and improve visualization during certain diagnostic procedures of the gastrointestinal tract.
Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Side Effects
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Weakness
- Nervousness
- Abnormal or rapid heart rate
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty moving your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Allergic reactions
- Swelling of your face, tongue, throat, arms, and legs
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Skin rash
- Welts
- Hives
- Temporary episodes of memory loss
- Irritation
- Confusion
- Delusions
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Sudden mood or behavior changes
- Decreased breast milk production in breastfeeding women
- Skin problems
- Redness
- Rash
- Inflammation of your skin
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Get A Second OpinionDicyclomine Hydrochloride Dosage
Adults:
The typical starting dose for adults is 20 mg, taken orally four times daily before meals and at bedtime. This can be adjusted based on the response and tolerance, up to a maximum of 40 mg four times daily.
Children (over 6 years old):
The recommended starting dose is 10 mg, taken orally four times daily before meals and at bedtime. The maximum dose is usually 20 mg four times daily.
Overdose:
- Symptoms: Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, flushing, and difficulty breathing.
- Treatment: If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Treatment may involve supportive care and symptomatic treatment based on the severity of symptoms.
Missed Dose:
- If you miss a dose of dicyclomine hydrochloride, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
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Book an AppointmentPrecautions
- Allergic Reactions: Avoid dicyclomine hydrochloride if you are allergic to it or any other anticholinergic medications.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before using dicyclomine hydrochloride if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Children: Use in children should be under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as safety and efficacy in younger age groups may vary.
- Elderly: Use caution in elderly patients, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of dicyclomine hydrochloride.
- Driving and Operating Machinery: Dicyclomine hydrochloride may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption while taking dicyclomine hydrochloride, as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they may interact with dicyclomine hydrochloride.
Dicyclomine Hydrochloride vs Drotaverine
| Dicyclomine Hydrochloride | Drotaverine |
|---|---|
| Brand Name: Bentyl, Dibent, Dicyclocot | Trade name: No-Spa, Doverin |
| It is available as Anticholinergic Agents | Drotaverine is an antispasmodic drug |
| Dicyclomine is used to treat symptoms such as stomach spasms caused by intestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome. | Drotaverine is used to enhance cervical dilation during childbirth. |
| Formula C19H36ClNO2 | Formula: C24H31NO4 |
