Dicyclomine Hydrochloride: Uses, Side Effects, and More

Dicyclomine hydrochloride is a trusted treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar functional bowel issues. It works by relaxing the digestive tract's smooth muscles, easing abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating-symptoms that can greatly affect quality of life.

What is Dicyclomine Hydrochloride?

Belonging to the anticholinergic and antispasmodic drug classes, Dicyclomine hydrochloride helps manage abdominal discomfort caused by intestinal muscle spasms. Available in oral forms such as tablets, syrup, and capsules, it's designed for consistent symptom control in bowel-related disorders.

What Are the Uses of Dicyclomine Hydrochloride?

Dicyclomine hydrochloride Tablet is primarily used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other conditions involving muscle spasms in the digestive system.

Conditions Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Treats

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Dicyclomine hydrochloride is widely used to relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and discomfort associated with IBS .
• Functional Bowel Disorders: It helps to alleviate spasms and symptoms of functional bowel disorders, including spastic colon and colitis.
• Gastrointestinal Conditions: This medication may be used to manage symptoms of other gastrointestinal disorders characterized by smooth muscle spasms, such as diverticulitis and peptic ulcer disease.

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Secondary Uses of Dicyclomine Hydrochloride

• Diagnostic Procedures: Occasionally, Dicyclomine hydrochloride may be used to reduce spasms and improve visualization during certain gastrointestinal tract diagnostic procedures.
• Dicyclomine hydrochloride oral solution IP uses are particularly suitable for patients who cannot tolerate tablets or need rapid symptom relief in liquid form.

Dicyclomine Syrup Uses

Dicyclomine syrup is often prescribed in pediatric care or for adults needing a liquid formulation. It provides fast relief and is easier to dose accurately in children.

Key Uses of Dicyclomine Syrup:

• Infantile Colic: Used to relieve symptoms of excessive crying due to gas or intestinal spasms in infants.
• Pediatric IBS and stomach cramps: Helpful in managing digestive spasms and associated discomfort in children.
• Post-feeding abdominal bloating: Beneficial in infants and toddlers who experience discomfort after meals.
• Functional dyspepsia in children: Syrup form helps reduce nausea and cramping linked to non-ulcer stomach disorders.

Always use the syrup under medical supervision, especially in infants and children, as incorrect dosing can cause serious side effects.

How Does Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Work?

Dicyclomine hydrochloride works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to reduce spasms and alleviate symptoms associated with bowel disorders. This action is achieved through a dual mechanism: a specific anticholinergic effect at the acetylcholine-receptor sites and a direct effect upon smooth muscle .

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Dosage

The dosage of Dicyclomine hydrochloride tab must be adjusted to individual patient needs and is typically taken orally. Dicyclomine hydrochloride and Simethicone suspension is also available for ease of administration.

Typical Dosage Instructions (as per doctor's advice)

• Adults: The typical starting dose for adults is 20 mg, taken orally four times daily, before meals and at bedtime. This can be adjusted based on the response and tolerance, up to a maximum of 40 mg four times daily.
• Children (over 6 years old): The recommended starting dose is 10 mg, taken orally four times daily before meals and at bedtime. The maximum dose is usually 20 mg four times daily.

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Injection

In severe cases, Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Injection is a fast-acting antispasmodic medication administered via intramuscular (IM) injection. It is used when oral forms are not feasible or when rapid relief is required.

Note: It should only be given intramuscularly (IM) - never intravenously (IV) - due to the risk of serious cardiovascular reactions.

Important Safety and Precautions:

• Not recommended for infants under 6 months
• Avoid in patients with urinary retention, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or severe ulcerative colitis
• Caution in elderly patients or those with cardiac issues
• Monitor for side effects like dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, or confusion

Only healthcare professionals should administer this injection in a controlled setting.

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride and Simethicone Suspension

This combination is particularly useful for IBS patients with significant gas and bloating. Dicyclomine hydrochloride and Simethicone suspension works by reducing both spasms and gas buildup, enhancing comfort during digestion.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Dicyclomine Hydrochloride?

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

What happens if an Overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, flushing, and difficulty breathing. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control centre. Treatment may involve supportive care and symptomatic treatment based on the severity of symptoms.

What to avoid

Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Dicyclomine hydrochloride affects you, as it can cause dizziness or blurred vision. Limit alcohol consumption while taking Dicyclomine hydrochloride, as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness.

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Side Effects

Dicyclomine hydrochloride can cause various side effects, ranging from common and mild to severe but rare. It is important to be aware of these potential effects.

Common Side Effects

Common Dicyclomine hydrochloride side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Weakness
• Nervousness
• Constipation

Serious but Rare Side Effects

While less common, serious side effects can occur, and immediate medical attention should be sought if they appear:

• Abnormal or rapid heart rate
• Difficulty moving your eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Allergic reactions, including swelling of your face, tongue, throat, arms, and legs
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Skin rash, welts, or hives
• Temporary episodes of memory loss
• Irritation, confusion, delusions, disorientation, or hallucinations
• Sudden mood or behaviour changes
• Decreased breast milk production in breastfeeding women
• Skin problems like redness, rash, or inflammation of your skin

Advise users to consult a Gastroenterology doctor if any symptoms worsen or if they experience any unusual or severe side effects.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking Dicyclomine hydrochloride, it is crucial to be aware of certain precautions and warnings to ensure safe and effective use.

Who should avoid this medicine?

• Allergic Reactions: Avoid Dicyclomine hydrochloride if you are allergic to it or any other anticholinergic medications.
• Infants under 6 months of age: Dicyclomine hydrochloride is contraindicated in infants less than 6 months of age due to reports of serious respiratory symptoms, seizures, and other severe adverse effects.
• Breastfeeding women: Do not take Dicyclomine hydrochloride if you are breastfeeding, as it can decrease breast milk production and may be harmful to the infant.
• Severe Ulcerative Colitis: If you have severe ulcerative colitis, you should not use this drug, as it can slow digestive tract movement and potentially lead to toxic megacolon.

Conditions where caution is needed

• Pregnancy: Consult your doctor before using Dicyclomine hydrochloride if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Children: Use in children should be under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as safety and efficacy may vary in younger age groups.
• Elderly: Use caution in elderly patients, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of Dicyclomine hydrochloride.
• Heart Conditions: Dicyclomine hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with conditions characterised by tachyarrhythmia, such as thyrotoxicosis or congestive heart failure, as it may further accelerate the heart rate.
• Prostatic Enlargement: Caution is advised in patients with known or suspected prostatic enlargement, as it may lead to urinary retention.
• Hepatic and Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with known liver and kidney impairment.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Dicyclomine Hydrochloride?

Yes, Dicyclomine hydrochloride is contraindicated in infants less than 6 months of age. For children over 6 years old, use should be under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Alcohol or food interactions

There are no known interactions between Dicyclomine hydrochloride and foods or drinks. However, the risk of dizziness, blurred vision, or sleepiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Dicyclomine hydrochloride.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)

Dicyclomine hydrochloride can interact with other medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, potentially altering their effects or increasing the risk of side effects.

Overview of how this medicine may interact with other drugs

• Anticholinergic Medications: Combining dicyclomine hydrochloride with other anticholinergic drugs can lead to an accumulation of side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, and blurred vision.
• Glaucoma Drugs: Dicyclomine hydrochloride can reduce or block the effects of glaucoma drugs like travoprost, latanoprost, acetazolamide, and timolol.
• Digoxin: Taking Dicyclomine hydrochloride with digoxin can lead to more side effects from digoxin, including confusion, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and blurry or cloudy vision.
• Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids should be avoided when taking Dicyclomine hydrochloride, as they can reduce the absorption of Dicyclomine hydrochloride, making it less effective. It is recommended to take antacids after meals and Dicyclomine hydrochloride before meals.

Possible impact when combined with supplements, herbal products

Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they may interact with Dicyclomine hydrochloride.

How Should Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Be Stored?

Proper storage of Dicyclomine hydrochloride is essential to maintain its effectiveness and safety.

Recommended Storage Temperature for Dicyclomine Hydrochloride

Dicyclomine hydrochloride capsules and tablets should be stored in well-closed containers at room temperature, preferably less than 30°C (86°F). It should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

What Happens If Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Is Not Stored Properly?

Improper storage can lead to a decrease in the medication's effectiveness. To prevent fading, avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Keep Away From Children, Sunlight, or Moisture.

Keep this medication 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). Always lock safety caps and place the medication in a safe location, out of sight and reach of children.

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride vs Drotaverine

References

THE DUAL MODE OF THE ANTISPASMODIC EFFECT OF DICYCLOMINE HYDROCHLORIDE