Dicyclomine

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jul 27, 2022

Warnings

Dicyclomine Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Dicyclomine can cause serious side effects in certain people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options if you are at high risk of complications from dicyclomine use.

EFFECTS ON THE HEART: In people with existing heart disease, high blood pressure, or fast or slow heartbeats, dicyclomine can cause worsening of these conditions. Tell your healthcare professional about all your medical conditions before starting dicyclomine.
EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN AND BODY: Dicyclomine can cause side effects such as increased thirst, dry mouth, flushing, hot and dry skin, constipation, and difficulty urinating. In hot weather, these side effects can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Staying well-hydrated can reduce your risk of heat stroke. Dicyclomine can also affect your thinking and focus. Call your doctor right away if you notice any odd behaviors or mood changes such as confusion, agitation, or hallucinations. Geriatric patients (older adults age 65 years and above) are at an increased risk of these adverse effects.
INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE: Stomach cramps or diarrhea can be an early symptom of intestinal blockage. If you have these bowel symptoms, it is important to rule out intestinal blockage before starting dicyclomine. People with blockages in the intestines should not take dicyclomine because it can cause more problems.
SEVERE ULCERATIVE COLITIS: Dicyclomine is not appropriate for people with an intestinal problem called ulcerative colitis. Large doses of this medicine can cause the gut to slow down or stop moving completely. This can lead to severe inflammation and swelling of the intestines.
ENLARGED PROSTATE: Men with an enlarged prostate gland should use dicyclomine with caution. This medication can lead to problems with urination, including urinary retention. It can worsen symptoms related to an enlarged prostate gland.
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS: People with a condition called myasthenia gravis should not take dicyclomine. At high doses, dicyclomine can cause severe muscle weakness and loss of muscle function. Your doctor can recommend other treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome if you have myasthenia gravis.

Precautions Before Starting Dicyclomine

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to dicyclomine or any other medicines in the past.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Dicyclomine may not be right for people with certain medical conditions such as ulcerative colitis, intestinal blockage, enlarged prostate, gastroesophageal reflux disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, fast or slow heartbeats, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, problems with balance or muscle movement, nerve disease, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.

If you are 65 years of age or older, talk to your doctor about the appropriateness of taking dicyclomine. There may be other safer medicines available to treat your irritable bowel syndrome.

Precautions During Use of Dicyclomine

Keep all your doctor’s appointments while taking dicyclomine. Your doctor may start on you on a lower initial dose and gradually increase your dose of dicyclomine.

Be vigilant for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rash, difficulty breathing, and mental symptoms like confusion, agitation, and hallucinations. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical help if they occur.

Dicyclomine can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Keep in mind that drinking alcohol can make these side effects of dicyclomine worse.

Anticholinergic drugs like dicyclomine can decrease secretions and cause symptoms like dry mouth. Dicyclomine can also lead to decreased sweating and heat stroke when the weather is very hot. Stay well-hydrated while on this medicine.

Tell all your doctors you are on dicyclomine before any surgery, including dental procedures.

Dicyclomine Drug Interactions

Using dicyclomine with certain other drugs can affect how it works. Possible interactions between dicyclomine and certain drugs can also increase the risk of severe adverse effects. The following medications can have possible interactions with dicyclomine:

Antacids
Antihistamines
Antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), clomipramine (Anafranil), amoxapine (Asendin), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), trimipramine (Surmontil), and protriptyline (Vivactil)
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as tranylcypromine (Parnate) and phenelzine (Nardil)
Parkinson’s disease medicines like amantadine (Symmetrel)
Diet pills
Heart medicines like digoxin (Lanoxin), isosorbide (Imdur, Isordil, Ismo), and nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat)
Asthma medications like ipratropium (Atrovent)
Medications used to treat anxiety, glaucoma, irregular heartbeat, motion sickness, urinary problems, ulcers, and seizures
Medications given to treat mental illness in mentally ill individuals
Prokinetic agents like metoclopramide (Reglan)
Narcotic pain relievers like meperidine (Demerol)
Sleeping pills, sedatives, and tranquilizers

The above list may not describe all possible interactions of dicyclomine. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your health care professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

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