Bentyl
Dicyclomine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action Bentyl
Bentyl is an anticholinergic medicine. It acts by blocking a chemical (acetylcholine) that is responsible for causing cramps (due to strong contraction of muscles) in the smooth muscles of intestine and stomach. By blocking acetylcholine it causes relaxation of smooth muscles.
Therapeutic Uses of Bentyl
Bentyl is used in the treatment of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). It is also used in other conditions where muscle spasm is present in the abdomen and conditions your doctor decides.
Direction of use of Bentyl
- Bentyl is used as intramuscular (IM) injection only. It is not used as IV (intravenous) injection.
- Bentyl is generally given (IM injection) in your doctor’s clinic or in a hospital. If you use Bentyl at home a health care provider will teach how to use it and you should learn properly and follow the instruction properly. Be sure to learn the procedure of use and follow them. If you have any query regarding use of Bentyl cosult your health care provider.
Dose of Bentyl, if Missed
If you miss a dose of Bentyl take it as soon as possible. Never take 2 doses of Bentyl to compensate the missed dose. If it is almost time for the next dose than skip the dose and follow the regular dosing schedule.
How to Store Bentyl
Bentyl should be stored at room temperature (68 to 77 degree F or 20 to 25 degrees C). Store it in a tightly closed container and keep the container in a dry and dark place. Keep it away fron the reach of children. It can be stored for brief period at little higher or lower temperature than the ideal temperature.
More Information About Bentyl
Seek medical attention immediately if your symptoms are not improving or worsening. Do not share Bentyl with anybody. It should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Bentyl
Do not use Bentyl if you have any of the following:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Bentyl.
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding.
- If you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis (a condition in which the muscles become progressively weak and paralyzed).
- If you have inflammation of the esophagus (due to acid reflux), loss of strength in the intestinal muscles, chronic inflammation and ulceration of the bowel etc.
- If you have severe heart problem.
- If you have obstruction of intestine, urinary tract or severe peptic ulcer and intestinal perforation.
Some medical conditions interact with Bentyl and you should inform your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breast feeding.
- If you allergic to some other medicines or foods.
- If you have heart trouble or heart diseases like high blood pressure, heart failure, palpitation etc.
- If you are on some medication, prescription or non prescription medicine, herbal medicine or on dietary supplement.
- If you have chronic peptic ulcer, enlarged prostate gland, diarrhea, liver disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, urine retention etc.
Some medications can interact with Bentyl and you should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines that can interact with Bentyl. Those medicines are listed below:
- Metoclopramide and chlorpromazine as these medicines may be less effective due to Bentyl.
- The risks of side effects of digoxin may be increased by Bentyl.
- The medicines that can increased the side effects of Bentyl are quinidine ( anti arrhythmia drug), benzodiazepines like diazepam, amantadine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelezine, antihistamines like diphenhydramine, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, nitrates like nitroglycerin and isosorbide, pseudoephedrine, chlorpromazine etc. If you are taking any of the medicines listed above you should inform your doctor before taking Bentyl.
Possible Adverse Effects
Seek medical attention if you have any common side effects listed below:
- Insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, nervousness, nausea, dry mouth, loss of taste/appetite, constipation, blurring of vision, decreased sweating etc.
Get urgent medical attention if you have these uncommon serious side effects:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, skin rash, itching, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty in accommodation (focusing eyes to an object), speech difficulty, difficulty in urination, disorientation, agitation exaggerated sense of well-being, hallucinations, palpitation, short-term memory loss, weakness etc.
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