Managing IBS with Dicyclomine

A person who goes to the hospital complaining about irritable bowel syndrome will most likely be prescribed with a certain drug called dicyclomine. The drug belongs to a class of drugs named anticholinergics. All of the drugs that are in this group have the functions of blocking the effects caused by acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical transmitter that is being released by the nerves when the muscles need to contract. This contraction of the muscles is blocked when the patient takes any of the anticholinergic group of drugs. In addition to this effect, the drugs from this group can also make the muscle more relax.

Dicyclomine for irritable bowel syndrome

Dicyclomine is a drug that is usually prescribed by the doctor. The drug has more than one form in which it is available. These forms are capsules, tablets, syrup and injections. Those patients who are on an oral dose of this drug usually are told by the doctor to take 20 mg of it four times per day. It is not that uncommon for the dose to be doubled and the patient to be taking 40 mg of dicyclomine four times per day.

The patient needs to tell the doctor if he or she is taking some other drugs because dicyclomine can interact with certain drugs. An immense anticholinergic effect can be felt if dicyclomine interacts with other drugs that have the anticholinergic effects like clemastine, promethazine, thioridazine, triflupromazine, amoxapine, clomipramine and clozapine, among others. When these drugs are taken at the same the time a person may experience dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, agitation, fast heart rate, palpitations, constipation and several other side effects. If dicyclomine is taken with other drugs that are supposed to cause sleepiness like vicodin, among other, the effect will only be stronger. The situation is the same when it is taken with antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. It is vital that the patient mentions all the other drugs that he or she is taking before starting to take dicyclomine.

When pregnant women are considered the experts are unsure whether the drug affects the unborn baby because no adequate studies were conducted. Nursing mothers should definitely avoid taking dicyclomine because there were reports of cessation of breathing. The main reason why dicyclomine is prescribed for the patients is because it is very effective in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The drug is always taken four times per day, no matter the form. It is of great importance that the patient takes the drug at the same times every day. The instruction on the label should be followed and the patient should ask the doctor about any questions he or she might have. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is not the only use for this medicine. There are several more uses and the patient should ask the doctor about those.

It is essential that the patient does not forget to tell the doctor if he or she is allergic to dicyclomine. An allergy to any other medication should be mentioned as well. A patient who is either taking or thinking of taking supplements, vitamins or nonprescription medications should inform the doctor before being prescribed with dicyclomine. A person who has suffered from or is suffering at the moment from glaucoma, ulcerative colitis, an enlarged prostate, problems with urination, heartburn, high blood pressure, nerve disease or heart failure should also mention it to the doctor.

On the other hand, a person who is about the have any kind of surgery must tell the medical person who is supposed to perform the procedure that he or she is taking dicyclomine.

The patient usually does not need to make any changes in the diet unless the doctor advises it so.

In situations when the patient missed a dose there is no need for worry but it is vital that the drug is taken as soon as the patient has remembered. This should not be done only in situations when it is almost time for the next dose. Taking a double dose must not be done.

Dicyclomine side effects

Just like almost every other drug, dicyclomine can cause certain side effects. Some of the side effects are seen quite often and are not that dangerous while some can be serious. At the first sign of any kind of side effects the patient must tell his or her doctor. Some of the most often seen side effects for dicyclomine include vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dizziness, tingling sensation, headaches, blurred or double vision, weakness and problems with urination. Serious side effects do not occur that often but the patient should look out for them as well. Dry skin, confusion, forgetfulness, anxiety, problems with sleeping, fatigue, loss of consciousness, itching, problems with breathing and swallowing, coma and unsteadiness are only some of the possible side effects of dicyclomine.