Dicyclomine (Bentyl) is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders. It is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old and should never be given to a child younger than 6 months old. While the drug is considered safe for use during pregnancy, it should only be used if clearly needed and the benefits outweigh the risks. There is limited data on the effects of dicyclomine on pregnant women, but animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
FDA Pregnancy Category | B |
FDA Recommendation | Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. |
Animal Studies | No evidence of harm to the fetus. |
Human Studies | Adequate and well-controlled studies have not been conducted. |
Side Effects | Nervousness or agitation, dry mouth, trouble swallowing, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, drowsiness, psychosis, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, changes in heartbeat or heart rhythm, trouble with balance or coordination, a feeling of intense excitement and happiness, a feeling of restlessness. |
Allergies | Do not take dicyclomine if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. |
Age | Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Dicyclomine should never be given to a child younger than 6 months old. |
Breastfeeding | Dicyclomine is excreted into human milk. It is recommended to either stop breastfeeding or discontinue the drug. |
What You'll Learn
Dicyclomine (Bentyl) is not recommended for those breastfeeding
Therefore, it is advised that breastfeeding should be discontinued while taking dicyclomine, or the drug should be discontinued if the mother chooses to continue breastfeeding. This decision should be made by the mother in consultation with a healthcare professional, who can advise on the importance of the drug to the mother's treatment.
Dicyclomine is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders. It belongs to a group of drugs known as anticholinergics or antispasmodics, which work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a chemical that contracts smooth muscles in the body. By blocking acetylcholine, dicyclomine can relieve spasms in the gut and intestines, reducing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, stool irregularity, diarrhea, and constipation.
The drug is available in capsule, tablet, oral syrup, and injectable forms and is typically taken four times daily. While it can provide benefits for those with severe IBS symptoms, it also carries the risk of side effects, including common ones such as nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness, as well as more serious ones like nervous system effects, psychosis, and hallucinations. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking dicyclomine and to disclose all current medications, supplements, and health conditions to ensure safe usage.
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Bentyl is a US FDA pregnancy category B drug
Bentyl, also known as dicyclomine, is a US FDA pregnancy category B drug. This means that animal studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the foetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. In other words, there is no evidence of risk in controlled human studies.
The US FDA pregnancy categories range from A to X, with A indicating no risk in controlled human studies and X indicating drugs that are contraindicated in pregnancy. Category B drugs fall in the middle of this spectrum, with some risk of adverse effects on the foetus identified in animal studies, but no evidence of risk in human studies.
In the case of Bentyl, animal studies in rats and rabbits have shown no evidence of harm to the foetus. However, there have not been any well-controlled studies in pregnant women, so the full risks are not yet known. Therefore, Bentyl should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
It is important to note that the US FDA pregnancy categories were updated in 2015 to provide more meaningful information to patients and healthcare providers. The new labelling system includes narrative sections and subsections that address pregnancy exposure, clinical considerations, lactation, and effects on females and males of reproductive potential. This allows for better patient-specific counselling and informed decision-making for pregnant women seeking medication therapies.
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Bentyl is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old
Bentyl (Dicyclomine) is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. In fact, Dicyclomine should never be given to a child younger than 6 months old. Giving Dicyclomine to infants under 6 months has led to cases of severe breathing problems, seizures, fainting, changes in heart rate, muscle weakness, coma, and death.
Dicyclomine is an antispasmodic drug used to treat intestinal spasms and cramping in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders. It is available as a tablet, capsule, syrup, or injection. It is also used to treat painful spasms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by blocking muscarinic receptors in the digestive tract.
Dicyclomine is categorised as a pregnancy category B drug, meaning that no harm was reported in animal studies, but studies in humans are lacking. Therefore, Dicyclomine should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Notify your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Dicyclomine.
Additionally, Dicyclomine should not be taken while breastfeeding as the drug can be passed into breast milk and may harm a breastfed infant.
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Bentyl should be avoided if you have severe ulcerative colitis
Bentyl (Dicyclomine) is a medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel disorders. It is an anticholinergic and antispasmodic medication, which means it helps to relax the gut muscles and slow their movement. While this medication can be beneficial for people with IBS, it is not suitable for everyone and should be avoided in certain cases.
One of the key contraindications for Bentyl is severe ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes pain and sores in the lining of the large intestine. Taking Bentyl when you have severe ulcerative colitis can lead to serious complications.
Bentyl should not be used if you have severe ulcerative colitis as it may slow down gut movement. Ulcerative colitis is a condition that involves inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms can vary but often include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. In severe cases, ulcerative colitis can lead to life-threatening complications such as toxic megacolon, where the colon becomes dangerously dilated.
Bentyl works by relaxing the muscles in the gut and slowing down their movement. This is beneficial for people with IBS, as it helps to relieve belly cramps and reduce bowel symptoms. However, in people with severe ulcerative colitis, slowing down gut movement can be harmful. Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine, and reducing gut motility can lead to a buildup of waste and increase the risk of blockages.
Additionally, Bentyl may suppress intestinal motility to the point of causing paralytic ileus. Paralytic ileus is a condition where the intestines stop contracting and moving food and waste through the digestive tract. This can be extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. It is a rare but known complication of Bentyl use in people with severe ulcerative colitis.
The use of Bentyl in people with severe ulcerative colitis can also increase the risk of toxic megacolon. Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication where the colon becomes significantly dilated and filled with gas and waste. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent the colon from rupturing. The slowed gut movement caused by Bentyl can contribute to the development of toxic megacolon in people with severe ulcerative colitis.
In summary, Bentyl should be avoided if you have severe ulcerative colitis as it can lead to dangerous complications. It is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor, including over-the-counter medications like Bentyl, to ensure they are safe for your specific medical history and current health status.
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Bentyl can be taken by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or syrup
Bentyl (Dicyclomine) is available in tablet, capsule, and syrup form for oral use. The tablets contain 20 mg of dicyclomine hydrochloride, while the capsules contain 10 mg. The syrup contains 10 mg of dicyclomine hydrochloride per 5 mL (1 teaspoonful). The oral forms are typically taken four times a day, with a typical starting dose of 80 mg/day, which may be increased to 160 mg/day if needed.
The tablets and capsules also contain inactive ingredients such as lactose, magnesium stearate, and corn starch, while the syrup contains ingredients like water, glucose, and propylene glycol.
It is important to note that Bentyl should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as there are limited studies on its effects during pregnancy. It is classified as a pregnancy category B drug, indicating that animal studies have not shown any harm to the fetus, but adequate studies in pregnant women have not been conducted.
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Frequently asked questions
Bentyl is a category B drug, meaning that no harm was reported in animal studies but studies in humans are lacking. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Bentyl is used to treat intestinal spasms and cramping in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders.
Common side effects of Bentyl include dizziness, nervousness, and agitation.
Bentyl is available as a tablet, capsule, syrup, or injection. It is taken four times a day, with or without food.
No, Bentyl passes into breast milk and may harm a breastfed infant.