Dicyclomine

Dicyclomine is used to treat functional bowel or irritable bowel syndrome.

Dicyclomine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Dicyclomine oral is taken by mouth.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Dicyclomine injection is given in a muscle if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Many drugs can interact with dicyclomine. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking.

You should not use dicyclomine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• glaucoma;
• a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• severe ulcerative colitis;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• a serious heart condition and active bleeding;
• myasthenia gravis; or
• if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Dicyclomine should never be given to a child younger than 6 months old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems or high blood pressure;
• a stroke;
• ulcerative colitis;
• an ileostomy or colostomy;
• an enlarged prostate; or
• liver or kidney disease.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of dicyclomine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dicyclomine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• fast or slow heartbeats, pounding heartbeats, or fluttering in your chest;
• confusion, agitation, hallucinations, unusual thoughts, or behavior;
• problems with memory or speech;
• problems with balance or muscle movement;
• diarrhea, severe constipation, or worsening bowel symptoms;
• trouble swallowing;
• bruising, swelling, or pain where a dicyclomine injection was given; or
• dehydration -- dizziness, confusion, feeling very thirsty, or less urination or sweating.

Confusion and changes in mood or behavior may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of dicyclomine may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, or nervousness;
• blurred vision;
• dry mouth; or
• nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Oral:Initial dose: 20 mg orally four times a dayMaintenance dose: Up to 40 mg orally four times a day, after one week with initial doseComments:-Discontinue this drug if efficacy is not achieved within 2 weeks or side effects require doses below 80 mg per day.-Documented safety data are not available for doses above 80 mg daily for periods longer than 2 weeks.Intramuscular:10 to 20 mg four times a dayDuration of therapy: 1 or 2 weeks, when patient cannot take oral formComments: Administer injection via IM onlyUses: Treatment of patients with functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose can lead to nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, weakness or inability to move any part of your body, difficulty swallowing, fainting, or seizures (convulsions).

You may feel dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive or perform hazardous activities until you know how dicyclomine affects you.

Avoid getting too hot or dehydrated while exercising and in hot weather. Dicyclomine can reduce sweating, making you more likely to suffer from heat stroke. Inform your doctor if you have a fever while taking dicyclomine.

Do not use an antacid. Antacids can interfere with how well your body absorbs dicyclomine oral.

Using dicyclomine with other medications that cause drowsiness can make you feel even more tired. Consult your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. Many drugs can impact dicyclomine, especially:

• bronchodilator asthma medication;
• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);
• glaucoma medication;
• heart medication;
• medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;
• medicine to treat overactive bladder;
• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; or
• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.

This list is not exhaustive, and many other drugs may affect dicyclomine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.