Dicyclomine
An antispasmodic drug that relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal spasms by relaxing smooth muscles.
Dicyclomine is a prescription antispasmodic that relieves abdominal cramps and GI discomfort by relaxing intestinal smooth muscle.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A03AA07
- RxNorm
- 3361
- Generic
- Dicyclomine
- Class
- atc-a03
- Brands
- Bentyl
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, capsule, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 20mg four times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg three times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg four times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
fetal monitoring as needed
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid near term due to potential effects on uterine contractions
monitor for preterm labor
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug, may pass into breast milk
monitor infant for anticholinergic effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
infantscontraindicated
do not use in infants due to risk of respiratory depression
respiratory monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not recommended for use in children under 18 years
not established for pediatric use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose, start low
use with extreme caution, start at lowest effective dose
monitor for confusion, sedation, urinary retention
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
use with caution, monitor renal function
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose
use lower dose and monitor closely
frequent renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
use with caution, monitor liver function
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid if possible
avoid use or use very low dose with extreme caution
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid alcohol
avoid alcohol while taking this medication
monitor for excessive sedation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Dicyclomine belongs to the antispasmodic and anticholinergic drug class
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Dicyclomine
Mechanism of action
How Dicyclomine works to relieve smooth muscle spasms
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information for Dicyclomine
Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional gastrointestinal disorders, and other conditions characterized by smooth muscle spasms of the gastrointestinal tract causing abdominal pain, cramping, and discomfort.
Dicyclomine acts as an anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent, blocking acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors on smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal tract. This dual mechanism helps relax intestinal smooth muscle and reduces spasms that cause pain and discomfort.
May cause drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Patients with glaucoma, urinary retention, or severe ulcerative colitis should use with caution. Alcohol may enhance sedative effects. Should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy