About Bentyl

Bentyl is a prescriptive drug under the generic name dicyclomine hydrochloride that is classified as an antispasmodic and anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent available as a capsule, a tablet and syrup and as an aqueous solution for intramuscular injection.

Uses or Indications

Bentyl is used to relieve spasms and cramps of the stomach, intestines, and bladder. It is prescribed to treat symptoms related to bowel/irritable bowel syndrome (abdominal pains attended by constipation and diarrhea associated with stress).

How to take Bentyl

Take this drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Side Effects

Side effects associated with Bentyl or any dicyclomine hydrochloride drugs may include any of the following: abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, constipation, difficulty in urinating, double vision, enlargement of the eye pupil, eye paralysis, fainting, flatulence, headache, impotence, inability to urinate, itching, nasal congestion, loss of taste or appetite, numbness and skin irritation, palpitation, rashes, severe allergic reaction, suffocation, diminution of breast milk, throat congestion, and vomiting.

Drug Precautions

• Using Bentyl in hot weather can cause heat strokes.
• Unless prescribed by your doctor, avoid this drug if you suffer from blockage of the stomach, intestines or urinary tract, severe ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestines); reflux esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), myasthenia gravis (characterized by long-term fatigue and general body weakness) or glaucoma.
• Bentyl may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Hence, driving, operating machinery or engaging in any activity requiring mental alertness is discouraged.
• Use this drug with caution if you suffer from a nerve disorder like autonomic neuropathy, hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney disease, hypertension, coronary heart disease or congestive heart failure, hiatal hernia (protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm), rapid palpitation or enlargement of the prostate gland.
• Bentyl effects during pregnancy have not been adequately tested. If you are pregnant or plan to be one, consult with your doctor first. Bentyl appears in breast milk and could affect a breastfed infant, so don`t use it when breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Consult your doctor when combining Bentyl with any of the following: Amantadine, Airway-opening drugs like albuterol sulfate, Antacids, Antiarrhythmics like quinidine, Antiglaucoma drugs like pilocarpine hydrochloride, Antihistamines like clemastine fumarate, Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) like alprazolam or diazepam, Corticosteroids like prednisone, Digoxin, Major tranquilizers like thioridazine, chlorpromazine and hydrochloride, MAO inhibitors (antidepressants like phenelzine sulfate and tranylcypromine sulfate), Metoclopramide, Narcotic analgesics (pain relievers like meperidine hydrochloride), Nitrates and nitrites (heart medicines like nitroglycerin), Tricyclic antidepressant drugs like imipramine hydrochloride or amitriptyline hydrochloride.

Missed Dose

Skip the missed dose and take it as soon as you remember. Don`t double dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms include blurred vision, dilated pupils, difficulty in swallowing, dizziness and dryness of the mouth, dry skin, headache, nausea, nerve blockage causing body weakness and possible paralysis and vomiting. Immediately seek medical help when an overdose is suspected.

Storage

Store Bentyl at room temperature in a tight container. Do not expose to direct sunlight and excessive heat.