Why is Bentyl prescribed?

Bentyl (Dicyclomine) is used to treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Bentyl is in a class of medications called anticholinergics. Bentyl relieves muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract by blocking the activity of a certain natural substance in the body.

How should Bentyl be used?

Bentyl (Dicyclomine) comes as a capsule, a tablet, and a syrup to take by mouth. Bentyl is usually taken four times a day. To help you remember to take Bentyl, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Bentyl exactly as directed. 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 Bentyl and gradually increase your dose.

Other uses for Bentyl

Bentyl may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Bentyl,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Bentyl or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: amantadine (Symmetrel); antacids; antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil); antihistamines; diet pills; digoxin (Lanoxin); ipratropium (Atrovent); isosorbide (Imdur, Ismo, Isordil, others); medications for anxiety, asthma, glaucoma, irregular heartbeat, mental illness, motion sickness, Parkinson's disease, seizures, ulcers, or urinary problems; metoclopramide (Reglan); monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate); narcotic pain relievers such as meperidine (Demerol); nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat, others); sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; ulcerative colitis; an enlarged prostate (prostatic hyperplasia); difficulty urinating; esophageal reflux (heartburn); a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract; myasthenia gravis; high blood pressure; an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism); nerve disease (autonomic neuropathy); heart failure; rapid or pounding heartbeat; hiatal hernia; or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Bentyl, call your doctor. Do not breast-feed while taking Bentyl.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Bentyl.
• you should know that Bentyl may make you drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Bentyl affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Bentyl.
• you should know that Bentyl reduces the body's ability to cool off by sweating. In very high temperatures, Bentyl can cause fever and heat stroke.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Bentyl cause?

Bentyl may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry mouth
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• constipation
• stomach pain
• gas or bloating
• loss of appetite
• dizziness
• tingling
• headache
• drowsiness
• weakness
• blurred vision
• double vision
• difficulty urinating

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• hot, flushed, dry skin
• confusion
• forgetfulness
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
• unsteadiness
• coma
• anxiety
• excessive tiredness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• excitement
• inappropriate mood
• muscle weakness
• rapid or pounding heartbeat
• fainting
• hives
• skin rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Bentyl may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Bentyl.

What storage conditions are needed for Bentyl?

Keep Bentyl in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• headache
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• blurred vision
• dilated pupils
• hot, dry skin
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• nervousness
• excitement
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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