Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Does Bentyl Do?Before Taking BentylPrecautions and ContraindicationsSide EffectsEffectivenessDirections
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Does Bentyl Do?
Before Taking Bentyl
Precautions and Contraindications
Side Effects
Effectiveness
Directions
Bentyl (dicyclomine) is a medication for the treatment ofirritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bentyl is labeled as anantispasmodicmedicationand thus is considered helpful in reducing intestinal spasms that can contribute to the abdominal pain and motility problems that are hallmark symptoms of IBS.
However, due to the risk of constipation, Bentyl might not be right for people who haveconstipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C). And because of its side effect profile, Bentyl is no longer frequently prescribed.
This article takes you through how Bentyl treats IBS, possible side effects, and how to take it.
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Bentyl is classified as ananticholinergicmedication because it reduces the effect of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine within the body. This diminished action of acetylcholine results in a decrease in muscle spasms and secretion ofmucus.
Unfortunately, in addition to bringing about IBS symptom relief, Bentyl’s effect on the action of acetylcholine can also bring about a whole host of unwanted side effects.
What You Need to Know About Bentyl (Dicyclomine)
Make sure to let your healthcare provider know about any medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking before starting Bentyl. Some drugs can cause severe interactions and/or side effects when taken with Bentyl.
The anticholinergic effect of Bentyl can affect smooth muscles throughout the body. Because of this, it can affect the normal contraction of other organs and may be inappropriate for people with certain health conditions.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Bentyl.
Warning in InfantsBentyl should never be used in children under 6 months of age as it can severely slow breathing and lead toacute respiratory distress.
Warning in Infants
Bentyl should never be used in children under 6 months of age as it can severely slow breathing and lead toacute respiratory distress.
Side Effects of Bentyl
The most commonly reported side effects of taking Bentyl include:
Other side effects may include loss of appetite, tingling, headache, drowsiness, or weakness.
Bentyl may also cause more serious side effects, such as confusion, disorientation, and short-term memory loss. It can produce mood swings and visual or audible hallucinations, as well as skin side effects such as hives or itching.
For these reasons, older adults are cautioned that Bentyl may not be appropriate for them. To avoid side effects, however, Bentyl can sometimes be quite helpful in lower doses, especially for women at a dose of 10 mg. In addition, if dosing is limited to once or twice per day, side effects can be reduced.
If you experience any unusual or concerning side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Should you experience any severe side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Is Bentyl Effective?
The results indicated that Bentyl was superior to placebo in reducing abdominal pain and tenderness, as well as improving bowel functioning and overall IBS symptoms. The downside was that approximately 68% of study participants experienced unpleasant anticholinergic side effects.
How to Take Bentyl
Your healthcare provider may start you off at a low dose and then gradually increase your dosage. Be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully regarding when to take it and do not take more than directed.
Typically, Bentyl is to be taken several times during the day at spaced-out intervals. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you take Bentyl 30 to 60 minutes before eating.
How long does Bentyl take to work?Bentyl is rapidly absorbed and reduces colon spasms within an hour, with maximum effects on intestinal muscles within 60 to 90 minutes.
How long does Bentyl take to work?
Bentyl is rapidly absorbed and reduces colon spasms within an hour, with maximum effects on intestinal muscles within 60 to 90 minutes.
Summary
Bentyl (dicyclomine) is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other bowel issues. It reduces the intestinal spasms of IBS. Because of possible side effects, Bentyl is no longer frequently prescribed. Common side effects can include blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, and dry mouth. Serious side effects include confusion, hallucinations, and skin rash.
Bentyl affects the normal contraction of other organs besides the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Because of this, it may be inappropriate for people with certain health problems (e.g., cardiovascular, prostatic, and kidney). Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Bentyl.
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5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Page J, Dirnberger G.Treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome with Bentyl (dicyclomine hydrochloride).Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology1981 3:153-156. doi: 10.1097/00004836-198106000-00009DailyMed.Label: DICYCLOMINE- dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet.DailyMed.DICYCLOMINE HYDROCHLORIDE- dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet.Ford A, et.al.American College of Gastroenterology monograph on the management of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation.American Journal of Gastroenterology.2014 109:S2-S26. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2014.187Trinkley K, Nahata M.Medication management of irritable bowel syndrome.Digestion2014 89:253-267. doi: 10.1159/000362405Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Dicyclomine.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Page J, Dirnberger G.Treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome with Bentyl (dicyclomine hydrochloride).Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology1981 3:153-156. doi: 10.1097/00004836-198106000-00009DailyMed.Label: DICYCLOMINE- dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet.DailyMed.DICYCLOMINE HYDROCHLORIDE- dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet.Ford A, et.al.American College of Gastroenterology monograph on the management of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation.American Journal of Gastroenterology.2014 109:S2-S26. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2014.187Trinkley K, Nahata M.Medication management of irritable bowel syndrome.Digestion2014 89:253-267. doi: 10.1159/000362405Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Dicyclomine.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Page J, Dirnberger G.Treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome with Bentyl (dicyclomine hydrochloride).Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology1981 3:153-156. doi: 10.1097/00004836-198106000-00009DailyMed.Label: DICYCLOMINE- dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet.DailyMed.DICYCLOMINE HYDROCHLORIDE- dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet.Ford A, et.al.American College of Gastroenterology monograph on the management of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation.American Journal of Gastroenterology.2014 109:S2-S26. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2014.187Trinkley K, Nahata M.Medication management of irritable bowel syndrome.Digestion2014 89:253-267. doi: 10.1159/000362405
Page J, Dirnberger G.Treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome with Bentyl (dicyclomine hydrochloride).Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology1981 3:153-156. doi: 10.1097/00004836-198106000-00009
DailyMed.Label: DICYCLOMINE- dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet.
DailyMed.DICYCLOMINE HYDROCHLORIDE- dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet.
Ford A, et.al.American College of Gastroenterology monograph on the management of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation.American Journal of Gastroenterology.2014 109:S2-S26. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2014.187
Trinkley K, Nahata M.Medication management of irritable bowel syndrome.Digestion2014 89:253-267. doi: 10.1159/000362405
MedlinePlus.Dicyclomine.
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