Dicyclomine Uses – Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and peptic ulcers are just a few of the gastrointestinal (GI) conditions that are treated with the drug dicyclomine.
It is a member of the anticholinergic drug class, which suppresses acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the contraction of smooth muscles, glandular secretion, and some CNS functions.
In general, three to four oral doses of dycyclomine are taken each day, with or without food, and are available as tablets or capsules.
It is frequently prescribed for short-term (up to 12 week) use to treat symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Dicyclomine Uses
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatment is among the more widespread uses of dicyclomine tablets.
Abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits are some of the symptoms of IBS, a large intestine disorder.
These symptoms may be lessened thanks to the way dicyclomine tablets relax the muscles in the digestive system.
The medication is typically taken before meals, and the dosage may change based on how severe the symptoms are.
Functional Bowel Disorders – Additionally, functional dyspepsia, chronic constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are all conditions that can be treated with dicyclomine tablets.
Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and changes in bowel habits are just a few of the symptoms that these conditions can produce.
By relaxing the muscles in the digestive system, dicyclomine tablets can aid in reducing these symptoms.
Depending on the disease being treated, the drug’s dosage and frequency may change.
Gastrointestinal Spasms – Dicyclomine tablets are used to treat gastrointestinal spasms brought on by diverticulitis, diverticulitis, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Abdominal discomfort, cramping, and pain can all be brought on by these spasms.
Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes the muscles of the digestive system to contract, is what dicyclomine tablets do to their target organs.
These symptoms can be lessened by the medication, which can also enhance overall gastrointestinal health.
These procedures entail inserting a flexible tube with a camera into your digestive tract to look at your tissues and organs.
The medication can ease the patient’s discomfort during the procedure by assisting in the relaxation of the muscles in the digestive system.
Other Uses – Additionally, other conditions like urinary incontinence, a spastic bladder, and menstrual cramps can be treated with dicyclomine tablets.
However, compared to the uses listed above, these are less frequent.
Dicyclomine Mode of Action
Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic medication that inhibits acetylcholine ability to contract smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract.
Dicyclomine works by attaching to and impeding the function of muscarinic receptors, which mediate the effects of acetylcholine.
Dicyclomine can relieve symptoms related to a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and gastrointestinal spasms, by relaxing smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract by blocking the action of acetylcholine.
Dicyclomine can have effects on the urinary tract, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system in addition to its effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
However, the gastrointestinal tract is where the medication’s main mechanism of action is found.
Dosage of Dicyclomine Tablet in Children and Adult
Depending on the patient’s age and the condition being treated, the dosage of dicyclomine tablets may change.
The typical dosage guidelines for adults and children taking dicyclomine tablets are as follows:.
Children – Children younger than 6 months old should not take dicyclomine tablets.
Dicyclomine tablets containing 5 mg to 10 mg should be administered up to 4 times daily to children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.
Dicyclomine tablets containing 10 mg to 20 mg should typically be taken up to 4 times per day by children between the ages of 2 and 12.
Adults – The usual dosage for dicyclomine tablets in adults is 20 mg to 40 mg up to 4 times per day.
The dosage of the medication can be altered depending on the severity of the patient’s symptoms and how well they respond to treatment.
It is typically taken before meals. Adults should not take more than 160 mg of dicyclomine tablets per day.
Kidney Patients – Patients with kidney disease might require a change in the dosage of dicyclomine tablets.
Dicyclomine may be removed from the body more slowly in patients with kidney disease, increasing the possibility of adverse effects.
Patients with mild to moderate renal disease typically receive a starting dose of 20 mg dicyclomine tablets up to three times per day.
Depending on the patient’s response to treatment and renal function, the dose may be changed.
It is possible that the dosage of dictlomin or medication tables should be decreased in severe kidney disease cases.
Liver Patients – For patients with liver disease, the dosage of diciclomine might be controlled.
The metabolism and elimination of dicyclomine from patients with liver disease may be slowed, which can raise the risk of adverse effects.
20 mg dicyclomine tablets up to 3 times a day are typically the recommended starting dose for patients with mild to moderate liver disease.
Depending on how well the patient responds to treatment and how their liver is functioning, the dose may need to be changed.
Dicyclomine dosage may need to be decreased in severe liver disease cases or the medication may need to be completely avoided.
During Pregnancy and Lactation – Dicyclomine tablets are categorized as a category B pregnancy drug, meaning they are typically safe to use during pregnancy when the advantages outweigh the risks.
Dicyclomine tablets should typically be taken 20 mg to 40 mg up to 4 times per day while pregnant.
Nevertheless, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the treatment’s effectiveness, the dose might need to be changed.
Dicyclomine tablets are not advised for use by nursing mothers because the drug can harm nursing infants if it enters breast milk.
The medical professional may advise a nursing mother to temporarily discontinue breastfeeding if dicyclomine tablets are required or to use an alternative medication that is safer for the infant.
Dicyclomine Side Effects
Like any medication, dicyclomine has potential side effects. Dicyclomine typical side effects include the following
Parched mouth
Nausea and vertigo
Blurred vision
Queasy feeling
A feeling of being bloated
Pain
The feeling of being sleepy
Dicyclomine side effects can also be less frequent but more severe.
Swallowing or breathing issues
Stomach ache that is very bad
Heartbeats that are quick
Urinary retention
Confusion or hallucinations
Hives or a skin rash
Swelling of the throat, lips, tongue, or face
You should see a doctor right away if you experience any of these more severe side effects.
Rarely, the drug dicyclomine can result in the serious condition known as paralytic ileus, which is characterized by intestinal paralysis and can be extremely painful and bloating.
It’s crucial to stop taking dicyclomine and see a doctor right away if you experience these symptoms while taking the medication.
Dicyclomine Interactions
Other drugs, supplements, and substances may interact with dycyclomine, reducing their effectiveness or raising your risk of adverse effects.
The following medications may interact with dicyclomine:
Antacids: Both antacids and dicyclomine can be absorbed more slowly when taken with antacids.
Dicyclomine can decrease the effectiveness of antacids. It is suggested to give dicyclomine at least two hours before taking antacids.
Other anticholinergic medications: Combining dicyclomine with other anticholinergic medications may make side effects more likely.
CNS Depressants: Dicyclomine may intensify the effects of substances that depress the central nervous system (CNS), including alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. This could lead to more sedation and sleepiness.
Ketoconazole: By raising the blood level of dicyclomine, ketoconazole can make adverse effects more likely.
Tricyclic antidepressants: Combining dicyclomine and tricyclic antidepressants can increase the risk of side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention.
How Long Does Dicyclomine Take to Work
Dicyclomine effects, however, typically take 30 to 60 minutes to manifest after oral administration due to its quick absorption.
Dicyclomine may take days to show a significant reduction in symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If the condition doesn’t get better after a few weeks of treatment, your doctor may change your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
It’s crucial to adhere to your doctor’s dosage recommendations, and you should let them know right away if your symptoms don’t get better or get worse.
If your symptoms continue or worsen, you might need to adjust your dosage or switch to a different medication.
👇👇👇
What Foods Should Not Be Eaten If You Have Kidney Disease
