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Bentyl - Uses & Side Effects

Generic name: Dicyclomine

Bentyl (Dicyclomine) is an anti-spasmodic drug which relaxes the muscle in the wall of the gut.

Bentyl Dosage

• The usual dosage is 160 milligrams per day divided into 4 equal doses. Since this dose is associated with a significant incidence of side effects, your doctor may recommend a starting dose of 80 milligrams per day divided into 4 equal doses. If no side effects appear, the doctor will then increase the dose.
• If this drug is not effective within 2 weeks or side effects require doses below 80 milligrams per day, your doctor may discontinue it.

Uses of Bentyl

• Bentyl is used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder.
• Dicyclomine is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (an intestinal problem). Do not take dicyclomine for sour stomach, stomach ache due to gas or any problem other than the one for which it was prescribed.
  

Side Effects of Bentyl

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Bentyl. Side effects may include:

• Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, light-headedness, nausea, nervousness, weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Bentyl:

• Bentyl may produce drowsiness or blurred vision. Therefore, driving a car, operating machinery, or participating in any activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.
• Diarrhea may be an early symptom of a partial intestinal blockage, especially in people who have had bowel removals and an ileostomy or colostomy. If this occurs, notify your doctor immediately.
• You should use this medication with caution if you have autonomic neuropathy (a nerve disorder); liver or kidney disease; hyperthyroidism; high blood pressure; coronary heart disease; congestive heart failure; rapid, irregular heartbeat; hiatal hernia (protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm); or enlargement of the prostate gland.
• Talk to your doctor if you are or plan on becoming pregnant before taking this medicine. Check with your doctor before you stop using this medicine . Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are using before stopping completely. Stopping this medicine may cause withdrawal side effects such as vomiting, sweating, and dizziness.

Drug Interaction :- If Bentyl is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Bentyl with the following:

• Airway-opening drugs such as Proventil and Ventolin
  
• Amantadine (Symmetrel)
  
• Antacids such as Maalox
  
• Antiarrhythmics such as quinidine (Quinidex)
  
• Antiglaucoma drugs such as Pilopine
  
• Antihistamines such as Tavist
  
• Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) such as Valium and Xanax

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a Bentyl overdose include:

• Blurred vision, difficulty in swallowing, dilated pupils, dizziness, dryness of the mouth, headache, hot, dry skin, nausea, nerve blockage causing weakness and possible paralysis, vomiting