Dicyclomine: 7 things you should know

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Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 31, 2023.

1. How it works

• Dicyclomine may be used to treat muscle spasms in the stomach or bowel.
• Dicyclomine relaxes muscle spasms by directly acting on smooth muscle, and also by indirectly blocking the actions of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine has muscle-activating effects.
• Dicyclomine belongs to the class of drugs known as anticholinergics. It may also be called an antispasmodic.

2. Upsides

• Used for the relief of colicky-type pain due to muscle spasms associated with functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine decreases gastric secretions and the movement of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Available as a capsule and an oral solution. Also available in an injectable form that may be administered by a healthcare provider.
• Generic dicyclomine is available.

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, inability to sweat, nausea, light-headedness, drowsiness, weakness, and nervousness are the most common side effects.
• May cause sedation which may affect a person’s ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous tasks. Alcohol should be avoided because it can enhance this effect.
• May not be suitable for some people including those with certain gastrointestinal conditions (such as severe ulcerative colitis, reflux esophagitis, an obstruction), glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, liver or kidney disease, heart disease, prostate, or urinary problems.
• May cause heat exhaustion, particularly in hot climates (dicyclomine decreases the ability to sweat).
• May cause psychosis in some people; symptoms include confusion, disorientation, short-term memory loss, hallucinations, insomnia, and agitation. Symptoms usually resolve within 12-24 hours of drug discontinuation.
• May cause breathing difficulties or other serious effects (such as seizures or pulse fluctuations) in infants. Do not use in children less than six months old.
• May interact with several other drugs including antacids, antiglaucoma agents, other anticholinergics, and drugs that also affect gastric motility (such as metoclopramide), and it may affect the absorption of other drugs because of its effects on gastric motility.

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

• Dicyclomine is used for the relief of colicky pain caused by intestinal muscle spasms in functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome. Side effects include dry mouth, a decreased ability to sweat, nausea, and sedation.

5. Tips

• Side effects are usually transient and eventually resolve although some people may require dosage reduction. 9% of people discontinue dicyclomine because of side effects.
• May cause drowsiness or blurred vision and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol.
• Dicyclomine may increase your risk of developing heatstroke in hot weather because it decreases your ability to sweat. If symptoms of heatstroke occur (symptoms include fever, nausea, and dizziness after sun exposure), discontinue dicyclomine and seek urgent medical attention.
• May affect the absorption of other medications. Take other medications at least an hour or two before taking dicyclomine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications, including those bought over the counter, to check if they are compatible with dicyclomine.
• Talk to your doctor if you experience any unexplained diarrhea, severe constipation, hallucinations, loss of muscle control, or other worrisome side effects.

6. Response and effectiveness

• Peak levels of dicyclomine are reached within 60 to 90 minutes and a reduction in colicky symptoms and muscle spasms should be seen within that time.
• Effects are relatively short-lived which means dicyclomine needs to be taken up to four times daily.

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with dicyclomine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with dicyclomine. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with dicyclomine include:

• antacids
• antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or doxylamine
• botulinum toxin
• glucagon
• medications that cause sedation, such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, some seizure medications
• nitroglycerin
• opioids, such as oxycodone or morphine
• other medications that have anticholinergic properties
• some medications used to treat mental illness, such as clozapine and chlorpromazine
• tiotropium and ipratropium
• thiazide diuretics.

Alcohol may enhance the sedative properties of dicyclomine.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with dicyclomine. You should refer to the prescribing information for dicyclomine for a complete list of interactions.

More about dicyclomine

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• Drug class: anticholinergics/antispasmodics
• Breastfeeding
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Patient resources

• Drug Information
• Dicyclomine Capsules and Tablets
• Dicyclomine Injection
• Dicyclomine Syrup and Oral Solution

Other brands

Bentyl

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

References

• Dicyclomine. Revised 04/2021. Novitium Pharma LLC. https://www.drugs.com/pro/dicyclomine.html

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use dicyclomine only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Copyright 1996-2023 Drugs.com. Revision date: March 30, 2023.

Medical Disclaimer

Does Bentyl start working right away, or do you have to take it for awhile to feel results?

What is irritable bowel syndrome and what are the symptoms?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often described as acute abdominal pain and discomfort with varying bowel habits, in the absence of any other medical explanation for the symptoms. Patients with IBS often report the BCDGs or bloating, constipation, diarrhea and gas.
How can you distinguish normal digestive problems from those needing medical evaluation?
Certain foods, like beans and prunes, can cause gastrointestinal effects in most people. A certain amount of gas is normal and healthy. However, if you are experiencing abdominal pain, a change in your bowel habits, or if your gas, diarrhea or constipation is interfering with your normal activities, you should see a doctor. It’s important for your health care provider to help you rule out other problems, especially if you have any of the following:

Expand…

Blood or pus in stools
Family history of colon cancer
Celiac disease
Fever
Malnutrition
Symptoms that wake you from sleep
Onset after age 50
A lump you can feel by touch
Unintentional weight loss

IBS responds well to dietary restrictions…
In the diarrhea-prominent type of IBS, the primary form of treatment is diet. Constipation can be more challenging to treat with diet alone. Other forms of noninvasive therapy that are routinely used are physical therapy and stress management because studies show the mind-gut connection is very real.
Certain foods aggravate the condition such as:
Foods that are: high in fat, fried foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeinated coffee and tea. Some foods, such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, peas, onions, and bagels, that can cause minor discomfort in a normal GI tract can cause significant bloating, gas, and abdominal pain in IBS sufferers.
What is the best diet for people with IBS symptoms?
There is no one-size-fits-all diet. A high-fiber diet was thought to be the best diet for almost everyone with IBS, but recent studies have shown that this isn’t true for everyone.
For people with constipation, it’s common to try a high-fiber diet of 25 grams daily for women and 38 grams for men to see if that helps. People should eat as much dietary fiber as they can tolerate, and understand that a certain amount of gas production is a sign of healthy gut microbes at work. The challenge is finding an acceptable fiber intake without experiencing debilitating abdominal pain and bloating, and frantic dashes to the toilet. And sometimes focusing on fiber alone doesn’t address the removal of potential trigger foods from the diet.

Eating smaller, more frequent meals spread throughout the day instead of larger meals can lead to less discomfort for some people. What is really important is to identify the foods that are causing the symptoms.
For individuals with diarrhea, gas, or bloating, or if a high-fiber diet fails, I suggest a two-week trial FODMAPS elimination diet. (FODMAPS stands for fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols.)
What is the FODMAPS approach?
You’ll work with your physician and registered dietitian to eliminate all foods that contain the five forms of carbohydrates (lactose, fructose, fructans, sugar alcohols, and galactans) for a trial period of 1-2 weeks. If FODMAPS carbs are causing the symptoms, relief can occur in just a few days. You follow the elimination period with a challenge of reintroducing one of the FODMAP carbs and observe symptoms. Additional FODMAP carbs are slowly added back, one at a time. At the end of the reintroduction phase, a final diet emerges with only those FODMAP carbs that are fairly well tolerated. The goal is to find the most liberal and varied diet possible that still keeps symptoms under control. Most people find they can still include their favorite foods if they exercise care. For example, a person who discovers that fructans (found in wheat) cause a lot of distress might find they can’t tolerate wheat at every meal, but may be able to tolerate one portion of wheat without a problem. Health care providers have known for years about the GI impact of select FODMAPS, such as lactose and sugar alcohols. Fructose and galactan intolerance are a bit newer. Although it is very well accepted and widely practiced in Australia, it is a new idea for most health care providers in the U.S. The FODMAPS approach is unique because it views all of these carbohydrates as one big system, looking at the forest instead of the trees. Some providers are concerned that the FODMAPS is too complicated, but many patients are very motivated and willing to do anything to feel better.
Is a gluten-free diet a good option for IBS sufferers?
Gluten-free diets are very popular right now for a wide variety of conditions. When you eliminate gluten, you also eliminate wheat products that contain fructans, one of the FODMAPS carbohydrates.
Eating certain carbohydrates can cause gas, bloating, and watery diarrhea for some IBS sufferers. Lactose, or milk sugar, is one example many people are familiar with. If your bowel has difficulty tolerating lactose, when you eat it — especially in high doses or when you eat it alone — bacteria in the large intestine ferment it, and it can result in gas and painful bloating as well as excess gas.
Can probiotics or digestive enzymes help reduce symptoms?
The use of probiotic supplements may help reduce symptoms in the long run, but I would encourage using a FODMAPS approach before introducing probiotics into the diet. Lactose is the name of the enzyme that breaks lactose (milk sugar) down to simpler sugars during digestion. Using milk products that have been pre-treated with this enzyme, or taking an enzyme, are good strategies for reducing symptoms. Fermented foods, such as yogurt and kefir and hard cheeses, contain less lactose than milk and may be better tolerated.
In a nutshell, what are recommended foods for IBS sufferers?
Use lactose-free or reduced-lactose dairy products; small servings of berries and citrus fruits; potatoes, rice, oats and corn products; lean meats, fish and poultry; salad vegetables; and plant-based oils. When it comes to sweeteners, small servings of granulated sugar and maple syrup are usually well-tolerated. Keep your diet as varied and colorful as you can tolerate. Remember, you can probably tolerate small servings of your favorite high-FODMAPS foods. Even if a whole bowl of grandma’s baked beans is out of the question, a little bite won’t hurt you.
Are people with IBS at risk for nutrient deficiencies?
Some people with IBS eliminate entire food groups to control symptoms. These very limited diets can cause weight loss and at the other extreme, weight gain. Unfortunately, some people with IBS find that the “healthier” they eat, with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk, the worse they feel. All of these situations can put them at risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which is why it’s important to have a registered dietitian help with the best dietary plan.

I know this is a lot of information but I wasn’t exactly sure what the Bentyl was treating. I assumed it was IBS… but you didn’t specify that. It is important to note that for IBS… medication alone usually doesn’t work… it is a combination of the dietary restrictions and the meds.

I hope I have helped relieve your anxiety and am heading you in the right direction.

Please let me know if this helps you OR if I misunderstood your question so that I can start fresh. Sorry for the long answer but there is no shortcut for IBS and its treatment plan.

Hugs and many blessings to you on this journey of self-discovery.

Mary

What is Trigan D? Its effect on the body

A common medicine – Trigan D, when the dosage increases, it begins to act like a drug. Tablets have a versatile effect on the body. They simultaneously anesthetize and have anti-vasospasm properties. Trigan D is sold both in the form of tablets and in the form of a solution.

Today there are no difficulties in purchasing drugs. Drugs that cannot be bought in pharmacies are easily obtained in other ways – via the Internet, distributors in universities, on the streets. It is enough to transfer money to a bank card and find a “bookmark” in the place indicated by the supplier. But illicit substances are not always used as drugs. Often, addiction arises from taking completely legal medications. They are available in pharmacies and available by prescription. And sometimes – and without it.

The result of taking Trigan D in the dose recommended by the doctor is a quick and effective elimination of pain. Exceeding the dosage entails completely different consequences.

Trigan D: effects on the body

Contains paracetamol and dicycloverine. The drug causes a feeling of euphoria, has hallucinogenic properties. The strongest antispasmodic causes blockage of receptors, which leads to the appearance of a trip.

Few of the young generation who use Trigan D most often know that large doses of paracetamol destroy the liver. In Trigan, there is a huge amount of this substance and taking the drug in high dosages will certainly cause the effects of toxins on the internal organs. 5-6 tablets taken at a time will cause serious damage to the liver.

What is Trigan D

Why produce such hazardous drugs? Trigan is a medical remedy used to relieve spasms, pain relief, and sedation. Tablets have a prolonged powerful action, therefore they are used to relieve acute and severe pain – renal and hepatic colic, with irritable bowel syndrome, dysmenorrhea, pylorospasm. A doctor can also prescribe Trigan for a severe cold as an antipyretic, if other drugs do not have the desired effect.

If at small doses the drug causes pleasant relaxation and calmness, then when they are exceeded, on the contrary, irrepressible energy, hallucinations, trips, which are not inferior in intensity to those caused by the use of synthetic drugs.

Features of the effect of Trigan on the body

The onset of the effect of Trigan D on the body becomes noticeable 30 minutes after taking the drug. After 2 hours, the effect reaches its peak and becomes as strong as possible. What happens to the person who has taken the substance? He begins to see hallucinations, unrealistic pictures, can communicate with “imaginary friends.” In some cases, addicts see happy and funny pictures, in others they get into a terrifying and frightening virtual environment.

In many ways, the effect of taking Trigan tablets depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. For this reason, sometimes even a small dose of the drug can cause nightmarish hallucinations, panic, provoking dangerous actions on the part of the patient.

The hallucinogenic effect of Trigan D is the result of exposure to dicycloverine. Often, in order to obtain the most powerful result from taking the drug, the substance is isolated from the composition of the funds and sold in the form of an extract.

Why is addiction to Trigan D dangerous? Unfortunately, teenagers, who most often fall victim to the drug, do not think about what is happening to their body, more and more plunging into addiction. And a terrible thing happens – liver failure, the development of mental illness, the risk of developing a coma increases at times.

How to help a sick person

How to understand that a loved one needs help? Symptoms of an overdose of Trigan D are immediately noticeable:

• very severe chills up to fever;
• convulsions, paralysis;
• severe drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• pain in the gastrointestinal tract;
• auditory and visual hallucinations.

Failure to provide assistance to the patient leads to the development of necrosis of the liver and kidneys, resulting in death. Simple analgesics can cause a quick and painful death.

What to do? First of all, accept a simple fact – you cannot cope with the dependence on Trigan D on your own. The help of specialists is needed, and it should be versatile. Intervention requires both the physical condition of the patient and psychological dependence.

Trigan D is as addictive as cocaine, heroin, amphetamines. Heart-to-heart conversations will not help solve the problem – the treatment will take a long time and considerable strength.

Drug addiction treatment at the Novaya Zhizn medical center will help solve the problem of drug addiction from Trigan D in the most effective way. The specialists of the clinic will carry out all the necessary procedures for the rapid cleansing of the body from traces of the drug, work out the psychological aspects of addiction, and help you learn how to live without hallucinogenic substances. Complex treatment gives the most effective result.

Why Spazmalgon is needed and how to take it

How long does it take for Spasmalgon to work

Spasmalgon is a combination drug containing metamizole sodium and pitofenone used to relieve pain and smooth muscle spasms.

After taking Spasmalgon, it usually takes 20-30 minutes to start working. The maximum effect is usually achieved 1-2 hours after ingestion and lasts about 4-6 hours, depending on the individual characteristics of the organism. However, it should be noted that the speed of onset of action and the duration of action of the drug may vary depending on the specific situation and the health of the patient.

It is important to remember that the drug should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor and follow the dosage indicated in the instructions.

Spazmalgon for headaches – how long does it take

The time of onset of Spasmalgon’s action may depend on the individual characteristics of the patient, as well as on the form of release of the drug (tablets, capsules, injections). However, usually “Spasmalgon” begins to act 20-30 minutes after ingestion and reaches its maximum concentration in the blood after 1-2 hours.

How to take spasmalgon

Spasmalgon is usually taken orally as tablets. The recommended dosage for adults is 1-2 tablets daily after meals. For children under 6 years of age, the drug is not recommended, and for children from 6 to 12 years of age, the recommended dose is ½ – 1 tablet daily after meals.

Spasmalgon for toothache how to take

General recommendations for taking spasmalgon for toothache:

• Read the instructions for the medicine and follow its recommendations.
• Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. Do not exceed the dosage recommended on the package.
• The usual dosage for adults is one to two tablets no more than 2 times a day. But there are other forms of drug delivery (such as injections) that can have excellent dosage recommendations.
• Take medicine after meals to reduce the chance of side effects such as nausea or vomiting.
• If you have any side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
• Do not take Spasmalgon with alcohol or other medicines unless your doctor has told you to.
• Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. If the pain does not improve, see your doctor for more advice and guidance.

Which is better No-shpa or spasmalgon

No-shpa (drotaverine) and Spasmalgon (metamisole sodium) are two different medicines used to treat various conditions. No-shpa is commonly used to relieve spasms of smooth muscles such as intestinal or biliary tract spasms. Spasmalgon, on the other hand, is used to reduce pain and fever, usually in cases of headache, toothache, or muscle pain.

Thus, the choice between No-shpa and Spasmalgon depends on the cause of the pain or discomfort, as well as other factors such as the patient’s age, medical history and health status.

Spasmalgon injections how to inject

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional who can explain how to properly inject drugs, including Spasmalgon. It is also important to pay attention to the dosage, the correct choice of the injection site and other medical nuances. Improper injection of drugs can lead to serious complications and threaten health.

How quickly Spasmalgon starts to work

The time of Spasmalgon’s onset of action may vary depending on the individual and specific symptoms. Usually, the drug begins to act within 20-30 minutes after ingestion, but in some cases it can take up to an hour.

Spasmalgon as an antipyretic

Spasmalgon is not a direct antipyretic. It is predominantly used to relieve pain and spasms in the muscles, as well as to reduce inflammation.

However, in some people, a decrease in pain may be accompanied by a change in body temperature, since the disease process can increase the temperature. Thus, while reducing pain and reducing inflammation, body temperature may also decrease.

But it should be remembered that the use of spasmalgon as an antipyretic is not its main purpose, and for the treatment of elevated body temperature it is better to use special antipyretic drugs.

Which is better baralgin or spasmalgon

Baralgin and spasmalgon are both drugs used to relieve pain symptoms, but they have different active ingredients and may work differently depending on the cause of the pain. Some people may respond better to one of these, and others to the other. In addition, each of these drugs may have side effects and contraindications, so you should discuss your choice with your healthcare professional.

Which is stronger ketorol or spasmalgon

Ketorolac and Spasmalgon are two different types of medicines used to relieve pain.

Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain and inflammation. It blocks the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Ketorolac is often used to relieve pain after surgery, musculoskeletal disorders, toothache, and other conditions.

Spazmalgon, on the other hand, is a combination of three active ingredients: metamizole, fenproperamine and pitofen. Metamizole is an analgesic that reduces pain, fenproperamine is an antispasmodic that reduces muscle contractions, and pitofenone is an anticholinergic that reduces smooth muscle activity.

Each drug has its own characteristics, and the choice between them depends on the type of pain you are experiencing. If you have inflammation associated with a musculoskeletal disease or after surgery, then ketorolac may be more effective. If you have severe muscle cramps associated with gastrointestinal disease, spasmalgon may be preferable.

Spazmalgon how to give to children

Spazmalgon is not recommended for children under 15 years of age.

Which is better Combispasm or Spasmalgon

Combispasm and Spasmalgon are different medicines used to treat pain and spasms.

Combispasm contains two active ingredients – dicyclomine and paracetamol. Dicyclomine is an antispasmodic that helps relax muscles and relieve spasms, while paracetamol is an analgesic that can reduce pain and fever. Combispasm is commonly used to treat headache, toothache, muscle pain, abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome or menstrual cramps.

Spasmalgon contains two active ingredients – metamizole sodium and pitophenone hydrochloride. Metamizole sodium is an analgesic that can reduce pain and fever, while pitofenone hydrochloride is an antispasmodic that helps relax muscles and relieve spasms. Spasmalgon is commonly used to treat pain associated with muscle spasms, such as osteochondrosis or neck spasms.

How many hours after alcohol can you drink spasmalgon

It is not recommended to take spasmalgon after drinking alcohol, as this may increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased drowsiness and decreased reaction.

How many days you can take spasmalgon

It is recommended to take spasmalgon for no more than 3 days.

Is it possible to drink spasmalgon for breastfeeding

According to official sources, metamizole sodium passes into breast milk in small quantities, and in small doses it should not pose a danger to the child. However, pitofenone hydrochloride is also likely to pass into breast milk and its effects on the baby are unknown.

With this in mind, the use of spasmalgon while breastfeeding should be discussed with a physician.

How long does it take for spasmalgon shot to work?

Spasmalgon shots usually begin to work 20-30 minutes after administration and last for 4-6 hours. However, this may vary depending on the individual patient and what caused the pain or spasms.

Hours for elimination of spasmalgon from the body

The time of elimination from the body may depend on many factors, including dose, frequency of administration, individual characteristics of the patient, and the functional state of the kidneys and liver.

Usually metamizole sodium (one of the components of Spasmalgon) is excreted from the body through the kidneys and intestines within 4-6 hours. However, fenpiverine hydrochloride and pitofenone hydrochloride may have different elimination times.

In general, the drug may remain in the body for more than 24 hours. If you have kidney or liver problems, the withdrawal time may be increased.

How to inject spasmalgon intramuscularly

Before injecting spasmalgon, wash your hands thoroughly and degrease the injection site.

The intramuscular syringe must be sterile and disposable. For the introduction of spasmalgon, a syringe with a volume of 2 or 5 ml is usually used.

To inject spasmalgon intramuscularly, follow these steps:

• Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol or other antiseptic.
• Open the syringe and needle package. Remove the cap from the needle and use the syringe to draw up the required amount of medication.
• Gently stretch the skin at the injection site with one hand and quickly insert the needle 2-3 cm into the muscle with the other hand.
• Gently depress the plunger of the syringe to inject the drug into the muscle.

After injecting the drug, slowly withdraw the needle, press the injection site with a tissue or cotton ball to stop the bleeding.

Dispose of the syringe and needle in accordance with local regulations and safety instructions.

What is spasmalgon

Spasmalgon is a combined drug used to relieve pain, spasms and inflammation. It contains two active ingredients – metamizole sodium and pitofenone.

Metamizole sodium is an analgesic that helps reduce pain and lower body temperature. Pitophenone belongs to the group of myotropic antispasmodics, they help reduce spasms of smooth muscles, including blood vessels, and improve blood circulation.

Spasmalgon is often used to relieve pain in various conditions such as headaches, toothaches, muscle cramps, colic, menstrual pain, etc.

What is better for a headache analgin or spasmalgon

Both analgin and spasmalgon can be used to relieve headaches. However, it is important to remember that each person is unique and reacts differently to medications. Also, each drug has its own side effects and limitations in use. Therefore, before taking any medicine, including analgin or spasmalgon, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.