Bentyl

Sanofi-Aventis | Bentyl (Medication)

Desc:

Bentyl/dicyclomine hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of patients with functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome. Bentyl is an antispasmodic and anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent.

The recommended initial dose is 20 mg four times a day. After one week treatment with the initial dose, the dose may be increased to 40 mg four times a day unless side effects limit dosage escalation. ...

Side Effect:

Side effects may include changes in taste perception, difficulty swallowing, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, impotence, flushing, difficulty falling asleep, nausea, vomiting, rash, bloating and difficulty breathing.

Side effects may also include dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, agitation, increased heart rate, heart palpitations, constipation, difficulty urinating, and occasionally seizures can occur. ...

Precaution:

Bentyl needs to be used with caution in conditions characterized by tachyarrhythmia such as thyrotoxicosis, congestive heart failure and in cardiac surgery, where they may further accelerate the heart rate. The peripheral effects of Bentyl are a consequence of their inhibitory effect on muscarinic receptors of the autonomic nervous system.

Diarrhea may be an early symptom of incomplete intestinal obstruction, especially in patients with ileostomy or colostomy. In this case, treatment with this drug would be inappropriate and possibly harmful.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended to use this medicine without your doctor's advice. ...