Bentyl
® (
dicyclomine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is especially useful for treating the painful spasms of the digestive tract associated with IBS.
(Click Bentyl Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Brand-name Bentyl is made by Pantheon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Akorn, Inc., and is marketed by Axcan Scandipharm, Inc.
Bentyl is part of a group of medications known as antimuscarinics or anticholinergics. It works by blocking specific receptors (called muscarinic receptors) in the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, helping to relieve the painful spasms associated with IBS. For this reason, Bentyl is also known as an antispasmodic medication.
When and How to Take Bentyl
Some general considerations for those taking this medication include the following:
- Bentyl comes in capsule, tablet, syrup, and injectable forms. It is usually taken by mouth four times a day. The injectable form is given as an injection into a muscle and is used in people who temporarily cannot take medications by mouth.
- You can take the medication with or without food. If you mainly have symptoms after meals, you may want to take your dose an hour or so before each meal.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Bentyl will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Bentyl your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you may be taking
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Bentyl. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Bentyl Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Bentyl?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose of Bentyl is likely to cause the following effects:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Dilated (wide open) pupils
- Hot, dry skin
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stimulation of the central nervous system (which can cause numerous different effects, such as a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and jitteriness).
If you happen to overdose on the drug, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Bentyl as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Bentyl comes in the following strengths and forms:
- Bentyl 10 mg capsules
- Bentyl 20 mg tablets
- Bentyl 10 mg/5 mL syrup (with 10 mg per teaspoonful)
- Bentyl 20 mg/2 mL injection.
Is There a Generic Version of Bentyl?
Currently, Bentyl is available in generic form
(see Generic Bentyl for more information).
