Bentyl

The active ingredient in Bentyl is dicyclomine hydrochloride. It works by preventing a substance called acetylcholine from binding to receptors in your stomach and intestine.

Acetylcholine typically causes muscles in your intestines to contract. Bentyl, which blocks acetylcholine, relieves smooth muscle spasms and cramping in the gastrointestinal tract, in persons with IBS.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Bentyl. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Bentyl:

• It is advised that Bentyl be taken orally, with liquid medicine measured with the accompanying syringe or dose-measuring instrument (not a kitchen spoon).
• If you are unable to take Bentyl orally, it is administered intramuscularly.
• If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, contact your doctor.

The most common side effects of Bentyl seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Blurred vision.
• Nausea.
• Nervousness or anxiety.
• Bloating.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Bentyl. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe changes in mood, thinking, or behavior: psychosis, anxiety, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), confusion, and sensations of intense happiness (euphoria).
• Irregular heartbeat: fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart failure and weariness.

-Allergic reactions such as hives and dry skin.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Bentyl. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Bentyl, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• You should not take Bentyl if you have glaucoma, bladder obstruction or other urination problems, a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), severe ulcerative colitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a serious heart condition with active bleeding, myasthenia gravis, or during lactation.
• Avoid using antacids. Antacids can reduce your body's ability to absorb Bentyl orally.
• It is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18. Bentyl should never be administered to children under the age of six months.
• Inform your doctor if you have ever had heart issues or high blood pressure, a stroke, an ileostomy or colostomy, or an enlarged prostate, liver, or kidney disease.
• Bentyl may affect several sections of the nervous system. It can also induce less sweating, which might result in fever or heat stroke in hot weather. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
• Let your healthcare provider know if you are planning or are currently pregnant.

Contraindications are specific health conditions or circumstances that make taking a particular drug unsafe; if any of the following apply to you, inform your healthcare professional, as Dicyclomine may not be safe for use: urinary tract blockage, myasthenia gravis, stomach or intestinal blockages, severe ulcerative colitis, glaucoma, reflux esophagitis (esophageal inflammation due to reflux), unstable bleeding conditions, or if you are currently breastfeeding.

A healthcare provider may recommend Bentyl for managing (irritable bowel syndrome) IBS, whether as a short- or long-term treatment. Many people experience relief within hours of starting the medication. Research has shown that participants began noticing improvements in symptoms like stomach pain and tenderness within two weeks of using dicyclomine. However, individual responses to the drug can vary, and the time it takes to see symptom relief may differ from person to person.

When Bentyl is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Bronchodilator asthma medication
• Cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl, among others)
• Glaucoma medicines
• Medicine to treat Parkinson's disease
• Cardiac medicine
• Medicine for treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness
• Medicine to treat hyperactive bladder
• Medicine is used to treat stomach issues, motion sickness, and irritable- bowel syndrome
• Any other medication that has anticholinergic effects

Bentyl comes in several dosage forms, including an oral capsule, tablet, and solution. It is also available as an injection into the muscle for those who are unable to take the drug by mouth.

The typical dose of Bentyl is 20 mg taken orally four times per day. After one week, your doctor may increase your dose to 40 mg by mouth four times daily.

If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the normal time. Do not use two dosages at the same time.

Store your Bentyl medication in a cool dry place at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Keep out of reach of kids too.

Bentyl and its design are registered trademarks of Aptalis Pharma Canada ULC, an AbbVie business.

There are several lower-cost generics available with the active ingredient of Dicyclomine Hydrochloride.

If you think you want to stop the Bentyl medication, it is important to first speak to your healthcare provider before doing so.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, speak with your gastroenterologist about the risks and benefits of taking dicyclomine. It is not quite apparent how safe the medicine is to take during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

If you are breastfeeding, don't take Bentyl. This medicine can pass into breast milk and produce major side effects, such as severe breathing issues, in breastfed newborns. If you are taking Bentyl and want to nurse your infant, consult your healthcare practitioner. They may be able to offer safer alternatives for you.