Bentyl

Generic name: Dicyclomine (oral/injection)
Drug class: Anticholinergics / antispasmodics

Usage of Bentyl

Bentyl is used to treat functional bowel or irritable bowel syndrome.

Bentyl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bentyl side effects

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

fast or slow heartbeats, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

confusion, agitation, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

problems with memory or speech;

problems with balance or muscle movement;

diarrhea, severe constipation, or worsening of bowel symptoms;

trouble swallowing;

bruising, swelling, or pain where a Bentyl injection was given; or

dehydration --dizziness, confusion, feeling very thirsty, less urination or sweating.

Confusion and mood or behavior changes may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nervousness;

blurred vision;

dry mouth; or

nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Bentyl

You should not use Bentyl if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

glaucoma;

a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

severe ulcerative colitis;

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);

a serious heart condition and active bleeding;

myasthenia gravis; or

if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Bentyl should never be given to a child younger than 6 months old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart problems or high blood pressure;

a stroke;

ulcerative colitis;

an ileostomy or colostomy;

an enlarged prostate; or

liver or kidney disease.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Bentyl.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

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How to use Bentyl

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Bentyl oral is taken by mouth.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Bentyl injection is given in a muscle if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

Many drugs can affect Bentyl. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines.

What other drugs will affect Bentyl

Using Bentyl with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Bentyl, especially:

bronchodilator asthma medication;

cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

glaucoma medication;

heart medication;

medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;

medicine to treat overactive bladder;

medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; or

medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Bentyl. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.