Bentyl

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Bentyl

Uses
Dicyclomine is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (an intestine problem). Do not take dicyclomine for sour stomach, stomach ache due to gas or any problem other than the one for which it was prescribed.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.

Bentyl

How To Use

Take this medication 30 minutes before meals.
Take this medication as prescribed.
Do not increase the dose or take it more frequently without consulting your doctor.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

Side Effects

This medication may cause stomach ache, flushing, problems sleeping, headache, blurred vision, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, dry eyes, or thirst.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop confusion, tremors, irregular pulse, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, rash, or difficulty in urinating.
This medication reduces sweating and may lead to heat stroke in hot weather.
Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of glaucoma, all stomach and intestinal problems, prostate trouble, problems urinating, blood pressure problems, of contact lens wear, of any allergies and of heart, lung, kidney or liver diseases.
Use caution when driving or performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication makes you drowsy or affects your vision.
Dicyclomine can increase the risk of heatstroke.
Avoid being outside on hot days as much as possible and avoid unusually warm places such as steam rooms, saunas and very hot baths.
If you wear contact lenses, you may need to use eye lubricating solutions if this medication dries your eyes.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug.
Dicyclomine may be excreted into breast milk.
The manufacturer of this drug states that breast-feeding should not be undertaken while using this drug.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered but not if it is almost time for the next dose.
If almost time for next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, promethazine).
Antacids should not be taken at the same time as dicyclomine.
Take dicyclomine one hour before or two hours after antacids.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.