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Bentyl Representative Names is Dicyclomine. Bentyl may be prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis, colic and bladder spasms. Dicyclomine is occurs as a fine, white, crystalline, practically odorless powder with a bitter taste . It is soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol and chloroform , and very slightly soluble in ether. Dicyclomine is in a class of drugs called anticholinergics. Anticholinergic drugs block the effects of acetylcholine, the chemical transmitter that nerves release in order to cause muscles to contract. They prevent contraction of the muscles by blocking the acetylcholine receptors on the muscle cells. Anticholinergic drugs in the presence of increased intraocular pressure may be hazardous when taken concurrently with agents such as corti costeroids. Dicyclomine relieves smooth muscle spasm of the gastrointestinal tract . Studies of animals indicate that this action is achieved via a dual mechanism: (1) a specific anticholinergic effect (antimuscarinic) at the acetylcholine-receptor sites with approximately 1/8 the milligram potency of atropine ( in vitro . guinea pig ileum ): and (2) a direct effect upon smooth muscle (musculotropic) as evidenced by dicyclomine’s antagonism of bradykinin- and histamine- induced spasms of the isolated guinea pig ileum Atropine did not affect responses to these two agonists.

This drug should not be given to infants less than 6 months of age or used by women who are nursing an infant. anticholinergic drugs on gastric hydrochloric acid secretion are antagonized by agents used to treat achlorhydria and those used to test gastric secretion. Heat prostration (fever and heat stroke due to decreased sweating) can occur with use of this drug in hot weather. Dicyclomine adds to the sedating effects of alcohol and other drugs that cause sleepiness such as the benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax), the narcotic class of pain medications Bentyl Side effects include is Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, light-headedness, nausea, nervousness and weakness and extras side effects is headache, hives, impotence, inability to urinate, increased pressure in the eyes, itching, labored and difficult breathing. Anticholinergic drugs also have a direct relaxing effect on muscle. Dicyclomine is used to reduce contraction of the muscles in the intestines.

How to use

• Bentyl comes in the forms of capsule, tablet, and oral liquid.
• It is usually taken four times per day.
• Bentyl should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating a meal.
• Bentyl should not be taken at the same time as an antacid.
• Antacids can reduce the effectiveness of bentyl.

Side Effects

• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Light-headedness.
• Nausea, nervousness.
• Weakness.
• Headache.
• Hives.
• Itching.
• Difficult breathing.

Precautions

• Before taking dicyclomine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history mostly liver problems, kidney problems, enlarged prostate, ulcerative colitis and heart disease
• Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, and urination problems.
• This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed and discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Interactions

• Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
• If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting dicyclomine.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of drugs that have similar drying side effects such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) and amantadine.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., methocarbamol) among others.
• Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

• Symptoms of overdose may include: headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, excitability, muscle weakness, paralysis, slowed breathing, fainting, seizures.
• Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

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