Dicyclomine HCL

Before taking dicyclomine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dicyclomine or any other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking while taking dicyclomine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. The following nonprescription products may interact with dicyclomine: antacids. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking dicyclomine. Do not start any of these medications while taking dicyclomine without discussing with your healthcare provider. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum); an enlarged prostate (prostatic hyperplasia); difficulty urinating; esophageal reflux (heartburn); a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract; myasthenia gravis; high blood pressure; an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism); nerve disease (autonomic neuropathy); heart failure; rapid or pounding heartbeat; hiatal hernia; or liver, kidney, or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dicyclomine, call your doctor. Do not breast-feed while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking dicyclomine if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take dicyclomine because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking dicyclomine. You should know that dicyclomine may make you drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication. You should know that dicyclomine reduces the body’s ability to cool off by sweating. In very high temperatures, dicyclomine can cause fever and heat stroke.

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Initial dose: 20 mg orally four times a day
Maintenance dose: Up to 40 mg orally four times a day, after one week with initial dose