Brand name Merbentyl
Used in the following combined preparations Diarrest, Koianticon
GENERAL INFORMATION
Dicyclomine is a mild anticholinergic antispasmodic drug that relieves painful abdominal cramps caused by spasm in the gastrointestinal tract. Used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, dicyclomine is also given to treat colicky conditions in babies.
Because the drug has anticholinergic properties, it is also included in some combined preparations used to treat flatulence, indigestion, and diarrhoea.
Dicyclomine relieves symptoms but does not cure the underlying condition.
Additional treatment with other drugs and self-help measures, such as dietary changes, may be recommended by your doctor.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, liquid.
Frequency and timing of doses
3 x daily before or after meals.
Dosage range
Adults 30-60mg daily.
Children Reduced dose according to age and weight.
Onset of effect
Within 1-2 hours.
Duration of action
4-6 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty in swallowing. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Most people do not notice any adverse effects when taking dicyclomine. Those that do occur are related to its anticholinergic properties and include drowsiness and dry mouth. Such symptoms may be overcome by adjusting the dosage, or they may disappear after a few days of usage as your body adjusts to the drug.
INTERACTIONS
Sedatives
All drugs that have a sedative effect on the central nervous system may increase the sedative properties of dicyclomine.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Drug for irritable bowel syndrome
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have glaucoma.
You have urinary problems. You have hiatus hernia.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
No evidence of risk.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
Reduced dose necessary. The elderly are more susceptible to anticholinergic side effects.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how dicyclomine affects you because the drug can cause drowsiness and blurred vision.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
PROLONGED USE
No problems expected.
