Key facts about Bentyl
What is Bentyl?
Bentyl is the brand name for dicyclomine and is available as an oral capsule, tablet, and solution.
What dosages is Bentyl available in?
Bentyl is available as a 10 mg oral tablet, 20 mg oral capsule, and a 10 mg/5 ml oral solution.
What is Bentyl used for?
Bentyl is an anticholinergic that is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How does Bentyl work?
Bentyl is an anticholinergic. It works by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine from attaching to receptors in your stomach and intestines. Typically, acetylcholine causes the muscles in your gut to contract. By blocking acetylcholine, dicyclomine relaxes the muscles in the stomach and intestines to lessen cramping in people with IBS.
How do I take Bentyl?
Bentyl is typically taken by mouth 4 tiimes daily.
Is it safe for me to take Bentyl?
Bentyl is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication if you are a nursing mother, have obstructive uropathy, an acute hemorrhage, have a gastrointestinal tract obstruction, myasthenia gravis, severe ulcerative colitis, or reflux esophagitis.
Bentyl Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Bentyl include:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Bentyl Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Bentyl. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior: psychosis, agitation, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), confusion, euphoria
- Irregular heartbeat: fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or fatigue
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Bentyl
The following medications may interact with Bentyl:
- Antiglaucoma agents – Anticholinergics antagonize antiglaucoma agents and may increase intraoccular pressure
- Anticholinergic agents – May affect the gastrointestinal absorption of various drugs; may also increase certain actions or side effects of other anticholinergic drugs.
- Antacids – May interfere with the absorption of anticholinergic agents
Who makes Bentyl?
Axcan Pharma Inc.
Is Bentyl safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Bentyl will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while receiving Bentyl, talk to your healthcare provider.
