From the FDA Drug Label
- 4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Dicyclomine hydrochloride is contraindicated in infants less than 6 months of age
The patient is 16 years old, which is outside of the contraindicated age group. However, safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
- The FDA label does not provide information on the use of dicyclomine in 16-year-old patients.
- No conclusion can be drawn about the safety and effectiveness of dicyclomine in this patient population 1.
From the Research
Dicyclomine can be used for a 16-year-old male weighing 118 pounds, but only under a doctor's supervision, as the most recent and highest quality study suggests its efficacy and safety in treating chronic abdominal pain, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 2. The typical dosage for adolescents is 10-20 mg taken 3-4 times daily, with a maximum daily dose of 160 mg. This medication is primarily prescribed for IBS to relieve abdominal pain and cramping by relaxing the smooth muscles in the digestive tract. Some key points to consider when using dicyclomine include:
- Side effects may include dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, and constipation, which can be more pronounced in younger patients.
- The patient should take the medication as directed, avoid alcohol while using it, stay hydrated, and report any concerning side effects to their doctor immediately.
- Dicyclomine should not be used if the patient has certain conditions like glaucoma, urinary retention, or severe ulcerative colitis.
- The medication typically takes 1-2 hours to work, and the doctor may need to adjust the dosage based on effectiveness and tolerance. It's also important to note that while older studies have reported the use of dicyclomine in infants with colic, its use in this population is not recommended due to the risk of anticholinergic toxicity 3, 4. However, for a 16-year-old male, the benefits of using dicyclomine for IBS or other approved indications may outweigh the risks, as long as it is used under medical supervision and with careful monitoring for potential side effects 5.