Dicyclomine

What it is used for

Dicyclomine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome.

Side effects, and when to stop

The pattern of adverse effects seen with dicylomine is mostly related to its pharmacological actions at muscarinic receptors. They are a consequence of the inhibitory effect on muscarinic receptors within the autonomic nervous system. These effects are dose-related and are usually reversible when treatment is discontinued.

The most serious adverse reactions reported with dicyclomine hydrochloride include cardiovascular and central nervous system symptoms.

Who should not take it

Dicyclomine hydrochloride is contraindicated in infants less than 6 months of age, nursing mothers, and in patients with:

• unstable cardiovascular status in acute hemorrhage
• myasthenia gravis
• glaucoma
• obstructive uropathy
• obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal tract
• severe ulcerative colitis
• reflux esophagitis

2 dosage and administration

Dosage must be adjusted to individual patient needs.