Dicyclomine (Bentyl) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use dicyclomine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use dicyclomine.

• Bentyl
• Dicyclomine
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dicyclomine products they stock.

Infants Under 6 Months of Age. Giving dicyclomine to infants under 6 months has led to cases of severe breathing problems, seizures, fainting, changes in heart rate, muscle weakness, coma, and death. Dicyclomine should not be used in infants under 6 months.

Breastfeeding. Do not use dicyclomine if you are breastfeeding. You must either stop breastfeeding or stop dicyclomine. See the Breastfeeding section for more details.

Myasthenia Gravis. Myasthenia gravis is a condition that can cause muscle weakness. Dicyclomine can make this condition worse. 

Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that may lead to trouble seeing or blindness because of damage to the optic nerve in your eye. Dicyclomine may make this condition worse or can block the effects of medicines used to treat glaucoma. It should not be used if you have glaucoma.

Blockage of the Urinary Tract. Dicyclomine should not be used if you have a blockage in your urinary tract, also called obstructive uropathy. Dicyclomine can make this condition worse. 

Blockage of the Gut. Dicyclomine should not be used if you have a blockage of your gut. Dicyclomine can make this worse.

Severe Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause pain and sores in the lining of your large intestine. Dicyclomine should not be used if you have severe ulcerative colitis. It may slow down the movement in your gut and lead to problems such as severe swelling or a hole in the intestines.  

Inflammation of the Esophagus Due To Acid Reflux. Acid reflux can lead to inflammation of the esophagus, sometimes called reflux esophagitis. Dicyclomine should not be used if you have reflux esophagitis.

What should I know about dicyclomine before using it?

Do not use dicyclomine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share dicyclomine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep dicyclomine out of the reach of children.

Dicyclomine may affect your alertness or coordination. It can also cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how dicyclomine affects you.

People who are age 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from dicyclomine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

If you are taking dicylomine oral lquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

What should I tell my health care provider before using dicyclomine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if dicyclomine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• High blood pressure
• An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Ulcerative colitis
• A fever

Heart Conditions or a Fast Heartbeat. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of a fast or irregular heartbeat. Also tell your doctor if you have heart failure, heart disease, or too much thyroid hormone. Dicyclomine may cause a fast or irregular heartbeat or palpitations, which may worsen some of these conditions.

Nerve Damage. Tell your health care provider if you have a condition called autonomic neuropathy, which is caused by nerve damage. Dicyclomine can affect certain nerves in your body, and it should be used cautiously if you have autonomic neuropathy.

Partial Blockage of the Gut. Tell your health care provider if you have a partial blockage of your gut, or if you have an ileostomy or colostomy (openings made in the intestines to collect poo). Dicyclomine should not be used and may be harmful if you have a gut blockage. 

Infectious Diarrhea. Tell your health care provider if you have a stomach infection or food-related illness. Using dicyclomine while you have an illness from certain bacteria, sometimes called salmonella dysentery, may lead to severe swelling or a hole in the intestines.  

Mental Health Problems. Tell your health care provider about any mental health problems you have had, especially if you have had symptoms such as losing touch with reality (psychosis) or seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real, also called hallucinations.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Dicyclomine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using dicyclomine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dicyclomine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. Dicyclomine passes into breast milk and may harm a breastfed infant. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop dicyclomine or stop breastfeeding.