Bentyl: Effective Relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Bentyl
| Product dosage: 20mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 100 | $0.63 | $63.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 200 | $0.56 | $126.00 $111.00 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 300 | $0.53 | $189.00 $160.00 (15%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 400 | $0.52 | $252.00 $209.00 (17%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 500 | $0.51 | $315.00 $257.00 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 600 | $0.51 | $378.00 $306.00 (19%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 700 | $0.51 | $441.00 $354.00 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 800 | $0.50 | $504.00 $403.00 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 900 | $0.50 | $567.00 $451.00 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 1000 | $0.50
Best per pill | $630.00 $500.00 (21%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Bentyl (dicyclomine hydrochloride) is an antispasmodic medication specifically formulated to target and alleviate the painful symptoms associated with functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome. By directly acting on smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, it reduces spasms, cramping, and hypermotility, providing symptomatic control for patients diagnosed with IBS. Its mechanism focuses on muscarinic receptor antagonism, offering a well-established option within clinical gastroenterology for managing functional gastrointestinal disorders. This product card provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview for healthcare professionals and informed patients.
Features
- Active ingredient: Dicyclomine hydrochloride
- Available formulations: Oral tablets (10 mg, 20 mg) and syrup (10 mg/5 mL)
- Pharmacologic class: Anticholinergic, antispasmodic
- Onset of action: Typically within 1–2 hours post-administration
- Half-life: Approximately 9–10 hours in adults
- Prescription status: Rx-only in most jurisdictions
Benefits
- Reduces abdominal cramping and pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome
- Decreases bowel spasms and hypermotility, aiding in normalization of bowel function
- Helps improve quality of life by managing chronic gastrointestinal discomfort
- Provides targeted symptomatic relief with a well-understood safety profile
- May reduce the frequency and urgency of bowel movements in diarrheal-predominant IBS
- Compatible with long-term management plans under medical supervision
Common use
Bentyl is primarily indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly in patients experiencing symptoms related to smooth muscle spasm within the gastrointestinal tract. It is used to manage abdominal pain, cramping, and bowel motility disturbances. It may also be used off-label in other functional gastrointestinal disorders where antispasmodic action is warranted, though such use should be carefully evaluated by a prescribing clinician based on individual patient presentation and response.
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be individualized based on patient response and tolerance. The usual adult dose is 20 mg four times daily. However, some patients may respond adequately to 10 mg doses. It is recommended to begin therapy at a lower dose to assess tolerance before titrating upward. Tablets should be taken orally with water, with or without food, though administration with meals may help reduce potential gastrointestinal side effects. Do not crush or chew extended-release formulations, if applicable. Dosage in pediatric populations is not generally recommended due to limited safety data and risk of serious adverse effects.
Precautions
Use with caution in patients with autonomic neuropathy, hepatic or renal disease, hyperthyroidism, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. May cause drowsiness or blurred vision—patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until response is known. Use in hot environments may increase risk of heat prostration due to reduced sweating. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects including confusion, agitation, or constipation. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless potential benefit justifies potential risk.
Contraindications
Bentyl is contraindicated in patients with obstructive uropathy, obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal tract, severe ulcerative colitis, reflux esophagitis, unstable cardiovascular status in acute hemorrhage, myasthenia gravis, or glaucoma. It is also contraindicated in infants less than 6 months of age and in patients with known hypersensitivity to dicyclomine hydrochloride or any component of the formulation.
Possible side effect
Common side effects may include dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, drowsiness, weakness, and nervousness. Less frequently, patients may experience constipation, bloating, dysuria, palpitations, or increased ocular tension. Serious adverse effects, though rare, may include anaphylaxis, confusion, hallucinations, tachycardia, heat stroke, and paralytic ileus. Patients should report any severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider promptly.
Drug interaction
Bentyl may interact with other anticholinergic agents, increasing both therapeutic and adverse effects. Concurrent use with amantadine, antihistamines, phenothiazines, disopyramide, or TCAs may enhance anticholinergic activity. It may reduce gastrointestinal motility and affect absorption of other drugs. Use with caution alongside opioids or other CNS depressants due to additive sedative effects. Potassium chloride tablets may increase risk of GI lesions. Monitor patients on digoxin for potential increased serum levels.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent dosing is important for symptom control, but occasional missed doses are not typically associated with withdrawal or acute symptom rebound.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, dilated pupils, hot dry skin, dizziness, dryness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, CNS stimulation, and in severe cases, convulsions, respiratory failure, or cardiovascular collapse. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. In severe cases, physostigmine may be considered under strict medical supervision. Activated charcoal may be administered if ingestion was recent. Contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20°–25°C or 68°–77°F), in a tightly closed container, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Dispose of unused medication properly according to local regulations or through a drug take-back program.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any medication. Individual patient responses may vary. The prescribing physician should be aware of the full medical history and concurrent medications of the patient.
Reviews
Clinical studies and patient reports generally indicate Bentyl is effective in reducing abdominal pain and cramping in irritable bowel syndrome, particularly in patients with diarrheal-predominant symptoms. Some users note dry mouth or drowsiness, though these often diminish with continued use. Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of proper patient selection and monitoring, especially in elderly populations or those with comorbid conditions. Overall, it remains a commonly prescribed option within its class for functional bowel disorder management.