• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

DICYCLOMINE (dye SYE kloe meen) is used to treat bowel problems including irritable bowel syndrome.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• difficulty passing urine
• esophagus problems or heartburn
• glaucoma
• heart disease, or previous heart attack
• myasthenia gravis
• prostate trouble
• stomach infection, or obstruction
• ulcerative colitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dicyclomine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• amantadine
• antacids
• benztropine
• digoxin
• disopyramide
• medicines for allergies, colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for alzheimer's disease
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems
• medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for diarrhea
• medicines for pain
• metoclopramide
• tegaserod

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, avoid alcoholic drinks.

Stay out of bright light and wear sunglasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

Avoid extreme heat (hot tubs, saunas). This medicine can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.

Antacids can stop this medicine from working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 1 to 2 hours before or after you take this medicine.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Last Updated: April 07, 2009