Drug Name

Bentyl (Dicyclomine)

Drug Uses

Bentyl is used for treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Bentyl as directed by your doctor.

• Take Bentyl by mouth with or without food.
• Take Bentyl with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).

Drug Class and Mechanism

Bentyl is an anticholinergic. It works by blocking a chemical in the smooth muscle of the stomach and intestines, causing them to relax, which reduces cramping.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Bentyl, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Bentyl at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Brief periods at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) are permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Bentyl out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Bentyl if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Bentyl;
• you have blockage of the esophagus, stomach, intestine, or urinary trac;
• you have heart problems due to severe bleeding;
• you have glaucoma;
• you have inflammation of the esophagus due to acid reflux, loss of strength in the intestinal muscles, or chronic inflammation and ulceration of the bowel;
• you have myasthenia gravis (a condition in which the muscles become progressively paralyzed);
• you are breast-feeding.

• Bentyl may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Bentyl with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Bentyl ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Bentyl may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight. It may help to wear sunglasses.
• Use Bentyl with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Bentyl should not be used in children younger than 6 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Bentyl while you are pregnant. Bentyl is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Bentyl.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision; constipation; decreased sweating; difficulty sleeping; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; lightheadedness; loss of taste; nausea; nervousness.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; confusion; diarrhea; difficulty focusing your eyes; difficulty moving; difficulty speaking; difficulty urinating; disorientation; exaggerated sense of well-being; fainting; hallucinations; pounding in the chest; rapid heartbeat; short-term memory loss; unusual weakness; vomiting.

More Information

Bentyl is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.