Dicyclomine is used to treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Dicyclomine is in a class of medications called anticholinergics. The anticholinergics and antispasmodics are a group of medicines that include the natural belladonna alkaloids (atropine, belladonna, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine) and related products. The anticholinergics and antispasmodics are used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder. Some are used together with antacids or other medicines in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Others are used to prevent nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. It relieves muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract by blocking the activity of a certain natural substance in the body.Bentyl relieves spasms of the muscles in the stomach and intestines and used to treat functional bowel or irritable bowel syndrome.Bentyl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Bentyl is usually taken 4 times each day. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of dicyclomine and gradually increase your dose. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Before taking this medicine,

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to Bentyl, or if you have:

• problems with urination;
• a bowel obstruction or severe constipation;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• a serious heart condition or active bleeding;
• glaucoma
• if you are breast-feeding a baby.

To make sure you can safely take Bentyl, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• ulcerative colitis;
• a nerve problem (such as numbness or tingling);
• liver or kidney disease;
• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or a heart rhythm disorder;
• an enlarged prostate.

Dicyclomine can pass into breast milk and can cause breathing problems or other life-threatening side effects in infants younger than 6 months of age. Do not breast feed a baby while taking this medication.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from Bentyl.

Bentyl should not be given to a child younger than 6 months old.

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

Stop using Bentyl and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe constipation, bloating, or stomach pain;
• worsening of diarrhea or other irritable bowel symptoms;
• feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nervousness;
• blurred vision;
• dry mouth, stuffy nose; or
• mild constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

What may interact with this medicine?

• amantadine
• antacids
• benztropine
• digoxin
• disopyramide
• medicines for allergies, colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for alzheimer's disease
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems
• medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for diarrhea
• medicines for pain

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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 medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding