Do you sometimes feel strangely twisted inside your stomach? Are you unable to do your daily tasks properly because of this sudden stomach pain? The cause of this condition is often Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or as we all know it , IBS . So, one of the main medications that your doctor will recommend in such cases is Dicyclomine. Today, we will simply talk about this medication, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What is Dicyclomine?
Simply put, Dicyclomine is a medicine that relaxes the muscles in your intestines and stomach, reducing unnecessary cramping and pain. Medically speaking, it belongs to a group of drugs called antispasmodics . That is, the main function of this medicine is to stop the unnecessary contractions of the stomach muscles (we call this 'stomach cramping') and relieve that pain. It is usually available as a solution.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
This is very important. For your safety, it is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before starting this medication. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your health condition | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Difficulty urinating or prostate problems | This medicine can further increase the difficulty in urinating. |
| Heart disease, or if you have had a previous heart attack | This medicine may not be suitable for some heart conditions. |
| Myasthenia Gravis, a neurological disease | The symptoms of this disease may worsen. |
| Conditions such as stomach infections, intestinal blockages, or ulcerative colitis | This medicine may worsen existing stomach and intestinal problems. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is imperative to seek medical advice as it may affect the baby's health. |
| If you have an allergy to dicyclomine or any other medicine or food | It is very important to be aware of this to avoid allergic reactions. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it as directed.
- Correct measurement: Since this is a liquid medicine, shake the bottle well before using it. Use only the specially marked cup or spoon that comes with the medicine to measure the medicine. Do not use household teaspoons or rice spoons , as they will not measure accurately.
- When to take: For best results, take this medicine on an empty stomach , 30 minutes to an hour before meals.
- On time: Take your medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount, even when you feel like it.
- Age difference: If you are over 65 years old, you may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, a lower dose may be prescribed. Also, this medicine is sometimes given to children over 6 months of age, but it is done under special medical supervision.
What if I overdose?
Imagine that you have taken more than the prescribed amount of medicine. If that happens , don't delay . Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other medications that may interact with Dicyclomine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (those for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines, Ayurvedic medicines). Some medications can interact with Dicyclomine, reducing its effectiveness or increasing its side effects.
In particular,
- Antacids for stomach upset. (It is best to take these 1-2 hours before or after taking Dicyclomine.)
- Medicines for allergies and colds
- Medications for mental illness, anxiety, and insomnia
- Some painkillers
- Medicine for diarrhea
- Medicines like Digoxin for heart disease
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drowsiness and vision: You may feel drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision . So, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make you more drowsy. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Excessive heat: This medicine may reduce sweating. Therefore, be careful with excessive heat (hot baths, saunas). Otherwise, the body temperature may rise dangerously and a condition called heat stroke may occur.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is normal. You can control this by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water. However, if this problem persists, talk to your doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
| 🚨 Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Anticholinergic Toxicity | A combination of symptoms such as facial flushing, blurred vision, dry mouth and skin, confusion, rapid heartbeat, difficulty urinating, and constipation. |
| Symptoms of intestinal obstruction | Severe stomach pain, inability to pass stool or gas, loss of appetite, vomiting. |
| 🙂 Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Blurred vision | Dizziness or drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Constipation |
| Nausea | Confusion |
How do you store and keep the medicine?
Keep the medicine bottle out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius), away from light. Throw away any remaining medicine after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Dicyclomine is a medication that is used to reduce abdominal cramping and pain caused by IBS.
- Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor about your other medical conditions and all other medicines you are taking.
- Take the medicine as prescribed, at the prescribed time, especially on an empty stomach before meals.
- Avoid driving while taking the medication as it may cause drowsiness. Be careful with alcohol and excessive heat.
- If you experience any dangerous side effects, such as severe allergic reactions or memory loss, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
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