Dicyclomine Capsules or Tablets

What is this medication?

DICYCLOMINE (dye SYE kloe meen) treats irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works by relaxing the muscles of your stomach and bowel, which reduces cramping. It belongs to a group of medications called antispasmodics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Bentyl

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Difficulty passing urine
• Esophagus problems or heartburn
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease, or previous heart attack
• Myasthenia gravis
• Prostate trouble
• Stomach infection, or obstruction
• Ulcerative colitis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to dicyclomine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take this medication on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Amantadine
• Antacids
• Benztropine
• Digoxin
• Disopyramide
• Medications for allergies, colds and breathing difficulties
• Medications for Alzheimer's disease
• Medications for anxiety or sleeping problems
• Medications for depression or mental health conditions
• Medications for diarrhea
• Medications for pain
• Metoclopramide
• Tegaserod

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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 this medication 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 this medication makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

Avoid extreme heat (hot tubs, saunas). This medication can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.

Antacids can stop this medication from working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 1 to 2 hours before or after you take this medication.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Anticholinergic toxicity—flushed face, blurry vision, dry mouth and skin, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble passing urine, constipation
• Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.