Bentyl (Dicyclomine) comes as a capsule, a tablet, and a syrup to take by mouth. Bentyl is usually taken four times a day. To help you remember to take Bentyl, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Bentyl exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Bentyl and gradually increase your dose.
Dicyclomine can cause a range of anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, nausea and at higher doses, deliriant effects. Abuse of this drug has been reported in Brazil
Teratogenic Effects. Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 33 times the maximum recommended human dose based on 160 mg/day (3 mg/kg) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to dicyclomine. Epidemiologic studies in pregnant women with products containing dicyclomine hydrochloride (at doses up to 40 mg/day) have not shown that dicyclomine increases the risk of fetal abnormalities if administered during the first trimester of pregnancy. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women at the recommended doses (80-160 mg/day). Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, BENTYL as indicated for functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
The signs and symptoms of overdosage are headache; nausea; vomiting;
blurred vision; dilated pupils; hot, dry skin; dizziness; dryness
of the mouth; difficulty in swallowing; and CNS stimulation. A curare-like
action may occur (i.e., neuromuscular blockade leading to muscular
weakness and possible paralysis).
A 37-year-old female reported numbness on the left side, cold fingertips,
blurred vision, abdominal and flank pain, decreased appetite, dry
mouth, and nervousness following ingestion of 320 mg daily (four
20 mg tablets QID) for four days. These events resolved after discontinuing
the dicyclomine.Treatment should consist of gastric lavage, emetics, and activated charcoal. Sedatives (e.g., short-acting barbiturates, benzodiazepines) may be used for management of overt signs of excitement. If indicated, an appropriate parenteral cholinergic agent may be used as an antidote.
This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert and clearheaded.