Bentyl (dicyclomine) is a medication typically used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The primary role of dicyclomine (under the brand name Bentyl) is to reduce smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, making it particularly useful in conditions where overactivity of gut motility is a problem.
The drug dicyclomine belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics or antispasmodics. Dicyclomine mechanism of action acts by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the contraction of smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Acetylcholine binds to muscarinic receptors on smooth (involuntary) muscle cells, causing them to contract. By antagonizing these receptors, dicyclomine reduces the strength and frequency of muscle contractions. This has a reaction to the GI tract.
The result of the medication is smoothing muscle spasms and alleviating abdominal cramping. Slowing down gut motility, which can help with diarrhea. Dicyclomine does have anticholinergic properties that extend to other body systems, which may cause unwanted side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and dizziness.
Have a Bentyl (dicyclomine) prescription? Purchase your medication for more than 80% off from a CIPA-certified online pharmacy. Get 100 tablets (10mg) for as low as $74.27. Click here to purchase.
Key Takeaways
Bentyl (dicyclomine) is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Bentyl (dicyclomine) blocks muscarinic receptors, which are part of the parasympathetic nervous system. By inhibiting acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating smooth muscle contraction, it reduces the frequency and intensity of spasms in the GI tract. This relaxation reduces the pain and cramping associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Dicyclomine has had some experimentation with use in colonoscopy premedication, anxiety management, and pain management associated with lower intestinal or GI tract issues. However, none of these studies are officially approved for use and provided mixed results.
Bentyl (dicyclomine) Uses
Bentyl (dicyclomine) is only approved for use by the FDA in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders. These are conditions of unknown origin affecting the middle and lower intestines that cause a cascade of chronic symptoms in patients, including abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, stool irregularity, diarrhea, and constipation.
While Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the primary and FDA-approved use of Bentyl (dicyclomine), there have been a number of other indications of potential use through clinical trials.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Bentyl (dicyclomine) is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Bentyl (dicyclomine) blocks muscarinic receptors, which are part of the parasympathetic nervous system. By inhibiting acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating smooth muscle contraction, it reduces the frequency and intensity of spasms in the GI tract. This relaxation reduces the pain and cramping associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
According to the study researching the effectiveness of Bentyl (dicyclomine) on IBS, “The effectiveness of Bentyl (dicyclomine hydrochloride) 40 mg 4 times daily was evaluated in an ambulatory population with recent irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). During the 2-week double-blind study, the effects of dicyclomine hydrochloride compared to placebo.”
Have a Bentyl (dicyclomine) prescription? Purchase your medication for more than 80% off from a CIPA-certified online pharmacy. Get 100 tablets (10mg) for as low as $74.27. Click here to purchase.
Colonoscopy Premedication
A recent clinical trial investigated using dicyclomine as a premedication for colonoscopy, aiming to reduce discomfort during the procedure by relaxing the intestinal muscles; however, concerns regarding potential side effects like tachycardia need further investigation.
The study published by John H. Bond MD, Cecil H. Chally MD, William D. Blackwood MD stated, “The preparatory intramuscular injection of a potent anticholinergic agent, evaluated in a controlled trial, did not facilitate colonoscopy from the point of view of either the patient or the examiner.”
Pain Management
Dicyclomine's antispasmodic properties have been explored in clinical trials to manage certain types of abdominal pain not directly related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The clinical trial published by Darren M Brenner and Brian E Lacy stated “The aim of this review article was to examine the efficacy and safety of antispasmodics available in North America (e.g., alverine, dicyclomine, hyoscine, hyoscyamine, mebeverine, otilonium, pinaverium, and trimebutine) for the treatment of chronic abdominal pain in patients with common disorders of gut-brain interaction.”
Anxiety Potential
Some early research suggests dicyclomine may have a role in managing anxiety symptoms due to its ability to influence the nervous system. However, for some patients, it may have the opposite effect, causing anxiety.
Dicyclomine belongs to the class of medications called anticholinergics. These medications work by blocking the actions of a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that helps contract your muscles and move food through your gut. Blocking it helps relax the muscles in your gut. In turn, this helps relieve involuntary muscle spasms and pain.
But blocking acetylcholine can also cause significant side effects including nervousness, agitation, and trouble sleeping were all reported as dicyclomine side effects from patients in trials. Issues such as nervousness, agitation, and trouble sleeping can feel similar to feelings of anxiety for patients.
Have a Bentyl (dicyclomine) prescription? Purchase your medication for more than 80% off from a CIPA-certified online pharmacy. Get 100 tablets (10mg) for as low as $74.27. Click here to purchase.
Count on https://Drugmart.com When You Need to Import Prescription Drugs Through Canada When you work with https://Drugmart.com, ordering medicine through Canada is easy, safe and cost-effective. You can rely on our reputable network of pharmacies to deliver the authentic drugs you need. If you're ready to import prescription drugs through Canada and our other verified international pharmacies, you can start today by browsing our available medications.
Sources
Nealon WH, Thompson JC. "Dicyclomine hydrochloride: Anticholinergic antispasmodic for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome." PubMed Central. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7016973/
Camilleri M, Bueno L. "Pharmacological modulation of intestinal motility for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome." Gastroenterology, 1974. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016510774737932
Gupta P, Bhagat K. "Effectiveness of antispasmodics in irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review." PubMed Central (PMC). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8315189/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "Bentyl (dicyclomine hydrochloride): Drug label information." Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/007409s041lbl.pdf
Related Articles
Qulipta Cost: With and Without Insurance (Guide)
On average, Qulipta (atogepant) can cost anywhere from $1,299 to $1,490.16 per full supply that’s not covered by insurance. Typically, that’s a 30-day supply of 60 milligram (mg) oral...
How Much Ibuprofen is Equal to Toradol? Facts
Both Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) and ibuprofen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain. Toradol Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) is more effective than ibuprofen. Toradol...
What is Toradol Used For? Facts & Answers
Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat moderately severe pain and inflammation, usually after surgery. Toradol works by blocking the production...
