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.
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.
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.
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CHAT NOWWhat 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
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
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.
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.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
