Active Ingredients: Dcyclomine
Typical Brand Names: Bentyl
What Is It Used For?
Bentyl is prescribed for the treatment of functional bowel/irritable
bowel syndrome (abdominal pain, accompanied by diarrhea and constipation
associated with stress). Bentyl relieves spasms of the gastrointestinal
tract (stomach and intestines) by blocking the actions of spasm-causing
chemicals in the body.
How Is It Used?
Take Bentyl according to your doctor's guidelines. Take the medication
with a full glass of water. Make sure that you take a correct
dose, measure the liquid form of dicyclomine with a special dose-measuring
spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have
a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get
one.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Bentyl can cause side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision,
confusion, agitation, increased heart rate, heart palpitations,
constipation, difficulty urinating, and occasionally seizures.
The medication may also lead to changes in taste perception, difficulty
swallowing, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness,
impotence, flushing, difficulty falling asleep, nausea, vomiting,
rash, and a bloated feeling. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Is It Safe?
Bentyl is not safe for people who are sensitive to Bentyl or any
such medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions
you have experienced.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Do not take Bentyl without consulting your doctor if you are taking
any of these medication- Airway-opening drugs such as Proventil
and Ventolin Amantadine Antacids such as Maalox Antiarrhythmics
such as quinidine Antiglaucoma drugs such as Pilopine Antihistamines
such as Tavist Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) such as Valium
and Xanax Corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone) Digoxin
(the heart failure medication Lanoxin) Major tranquilizers such
as Mellaril and Thorazine MAO inhibitors (antidepressants suchasNardil
and Parnate) Metoclopramide (the gastrointestinal stimulant Reglan)
Narcotic analgesics (pain relievers such as Demerol) Nitrates
and nitrites (heartmedications such as nitroglycerin) Tricyclic
antidepressant drugs such as Elavil and Tofranil.
What If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it but skip it in
case it is the time to take the next dose. Take the next scheduled
dose in such a situation.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store Bentyl at room temperature. Keep tablets out of direct sunlight.
Keep syrup away from excessive heat. Keep the medication out of
children's reach.
Anything Else I Should Know?
The use of Bentyl may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Therefore
it is advised to avoid activities that require full mental alertness
is not recommended like driving a car, operating machinery etc.
Diarrhea may be an early symptom of a partial intestinal blockage,
especially in people who have had bowel removals and an ileostomy
or colostomy. If this occurs, notify your doctor immediately.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
