Indications
Dicycloverine Hydrochloride is used to relieve cramping pain caused by spasm of the stomach and bowel, especially in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It may also be used for other spasm-related tummy pain when a doctor advises.
How It Works
It is an antispasmodic. It relaxes the smooth muscle in the wall of the gut, both directly and by blocking acetylcholine, a nerve messenger that makes the muscle contract. This eases cramps and colicky pain.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults: usually 10 to 20 mg three times a day, before meals, or as advised by the doctor.
- Children: only as prescribed by a doctor, based on age. It must not be given to babies under 6 months.
Take it with water. Do not take more than the doctor advises.
Interactions
- Other medicines with similar (anticholinergic) effects, such as some antihistamines, Amitriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants, some antipsychotics and medicines for Parkinson’s disease, can increase dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and urine problems.
- It can reduce the effect of Metoclopramide and Domperidone.
- Antacids can reduce its absorption; take them at least 1 to 2 hours apart.
- Alcohol and sedatives can add to drowsiness.
Contraindications
- Allergy to dicycloverine.
- Babies under 6 months.
- Narrow-angle (closed-angle) glaucoma.
- Difficulty passing urine due to an enlarged prostate or other blockage.
- Blockage of the bowel or stomach outlet, paralysed bowel, or severe ulcerative colitis.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Common: dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea and constipation. Less often: difficulty passing urine, fast heartbeat, headache, reduced sweating.
Get urgent medical help if you have:
- Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing).
- Inability to pass urine.
- Eye pain with blurred vision or seeing halos around lights.
- Confusion, hallucinations or a very fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Severe constipation with a swollen, painful tummy.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Limited information is available in pregnancy; use only if a doctor advises it. Do not use while breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and can affect the baby.
Precautions and Warnings
- It may cause drowsiness or blurred vision; do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
- It reduces sweating, so take care in hot weather or during exercise to avoid overheating.
- Use with care in heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, reflux, liver or kidney disease, and in older people.
- See a doctor if tummy pain is severe, new after age 40, or comes with weight loss, bleeding or fever.
Overdose
Signs include severe dry mouth, hot and dry skin, widened pupils, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, difficulty passing urine, confusion and agitation. Seek urgent medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Antispasmodic (anticholinergic).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.