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.
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