Class: Antimuscarinic
Dosage Forms. Capsule: 10 mg; Tablet: 20 mg; Syrup: 10 mg/5 mL
Common FDA Label Indication, Dosing, and Titration.
1. Irritable bowel syndrome: Children 6 mo-2 y of age, 5 mg po tid-qid; Children 2-12 y of age, 10 mg po tid, may titrate to 40 mg/d; Adults, 20 mg po qid, may titrate to 40 mg po qid
Off-Label Uses. None
MOA. Dicyclomine relieves smooth muscle spasm of the gastrointestinal tract via a specific anticholinergic effect (antimuscarinic) at the acetylcholine-receptor sites and a direct effect on smooth muscle (musculotropic).
Drug Characteristics: Dicyclomine
Medication Safety Issues: Dicyclomine
Drug Interactions: Dicyclomine
Adverse Reactions: Dicyclomine
Efficacy Monitoring Parameters. Improved bowel function, decreased flatulence, diarrhea.
Toxicity Monitoring Parameters. Rapid heart beat, severe dizziness, unusual thoughts, shortness of breath, or severe rash.
Key Patient Counseling Points. May cause drowsiness; avoid driving, and operating heavy equipment. Heat prostration (due to decreased sweating) can occur when used in a hot environment.
Clinical Pearls. There are reports that administration of dicyclomine to infants has been followed by serious respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, shortness of breath, breathlessness, respiratory collapse, apnea, asphyxia), seizures, syncope, pulse rate fluctuations, muscular hypotonia, and coma. Death has been reported.