Dicyclomine
Dicyclomine (often known by the brand Bentyl) is an antispasmodic medicine used to relieve cramping and discomfort in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other types of abdominal pain. This listing includes the originator brand Bentyl and the Indian combination remedy Cyclopam.
Key points
- Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic that works by relaxing smooth muscle in the gut wall, helping to ease painful spasms.
- Cyclopam combines dicyclomine with paracetamol, giving both antispasmodic and analgesic action in a single tablet, unlike Bentyl, which contains dicyclomine alone.
- Because it reduces sweating, dicyclomine can make it harder to cool down in high heat, an important consideration during Gulf summers.
Common questions about Dicyclomine
What conditions does dicyclomine treat?
Doctors prescribe dicyclomine to relieve cramping and pain from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other functional gut disorders causing Abdominal Pain. It is not a general painkiller; it specifically targets smooth muscle spasm in the digestive tract.
How does Bentyl differ from Cyclopam?
Bentyl comes as 10 mg and 20 mg capsules containing dicyclomine alone (the originator brand from Axcan Scandipharm). Cyclopam, manufactured by Indoco Remedies, is a tablet that combines 20 mg of dicyclomine with 500 mg of paracetamol. Both belong to the Digestive Health category, but Cyclopam is designed for episodes where cramping and pain co-exist.
What side effects should I watch for?
Common effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, and drowsiness. Dicyclomine can slow gut movement, sometimes causing heartburn or constipation. Because it reduces sweating, it is important to stay cool and hydrated, particularly in hot weather. If you have glaucoma, difficulty passing urine, or muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), dicyclomine may not be suitable, so a doctor should review it first.