Bentyl is the brand name of the drug dicycloverine or dicyclomine. It is an antispasmodic. It works by blocking a chemical in the smooth muscle of the stomach and intestines, causing them to relax, which reduces cramping.
Uses
What is Bentyl used for?
The treatment of functional bowel or irritable bowl syndrome (IBS).
How should I take Bentyl?
Read the directions on the packaging for complete information. Check the label and expiration date.
For oral dosage forms, swallow it whole without chewing, crushing, or dissolving it in liquid.
For parenteral dosage forms, only a licensed healthcare professional should administer it.
How do I store Bentyl?
Store this product at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer.
There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & Warnings
What should I know before using Bentyl?
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
- An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
- Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.
This medication is pregnancy risk category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A= No risk
- B= No risk in some studies
- C= There may be some risk
- D= Positive evidence of risk
- X= Contraindicated
- N= Unknown
Side Effects
What side effects can occur from Bentyl?
Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Decreased sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of taste
- Nausea
- Nervousness
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
- Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty moving or speaking
- Changes in urination
- Disorientation
- Exaggerated sense of well-being
- Fainting
- Hallucinations
- Pounding in the chest
- Rapid heartbeat
- Short-term memory loss
- Unusual weakness
- Vomiting
However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with Bentyl?
This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.
To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Drugs with known interactions:
- Amantadine
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antihistamines
- Benzodiazepines
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Opioid analgesics
- Nitrates, nitrites
- Phenothiazines
- Sympathomimetics
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Metoclopramide
- Phenothiazines
- Digoxin
If you experience an adverse drug interaction, inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.
Does food or alcohol interact with Bentyl?
This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with Bentyl?
This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
What is the dose for an adult?
Initially take 20 mg four times a day.
After one-week, the dose may be increased to 40 mg four times a day.
If efficacy is not achieved within 2 weeks or side effects require doses below 80 mg per day, the drug should be discontinued. Documented safety data are not available for doses above 80 mg daily for periods longer than 2 weeks.
What is the dose for a child?
There is no established pediatric dose. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How is Bentyl available?
Bentyl is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Capsule 10 mg
- Tablet 20 mg
- Oral solution or syrup 10 mg/5 mL
- Solution for injection 10mg/mL
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
[embed-health-tool-bmi]
