Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: DICYCLOMINE - ORAL (dye-SYE-klo-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): Bentyl
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Dicyclomine is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (an intestinal problem). Do not take dicyclomine for sour stomach, stomach ache due to gas or any problem other than the one for which it was prescribed.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication 30 minutes before meals. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or take it more frequently without consulting your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach ache, flushing, problems sleeping, headache, blurred vision, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, dry eyes, or thirst. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: confusion, tremors, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, rash, difficulty urinating. This medication reduces sweating and may lead to heat stroke in hot weather. Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: glaucoma, all stomach and intestinal problems, prostate trouble, problems urinating, blood pressure problems, contact lens wear, any allergies, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease. Use caution when driving or performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication makes you drowsy or affects your vision. Dicyclomine can increase the risk of heatstroke. Avoid being outside on hot days as much as possible and avoid unusually warm places such as steam rooms, saunas and very hot baths. If you wear contact lenses, you may need to use eye lubricating solutions if this medication dries your eyes. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. Dicyclomine may be excreted into breast milk. The manufacturer of this drug states that breast-feeding should not be undertaken while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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