From the Research
Dicyclomine should be administered 4 times daily, with a usual adult dosage of 20 mg taken orally four times per day. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which suggests that dicyclomine is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar conditions characterized by abdominal cramping and pain 1. Treatment can begin with a lower dose of 10 mg three times daily and gradually increase to the standard regimen. For severe symptoms, the dose may be increased to 40 mg four times daily, though this higher dose should be used cautiously due to increased side effects.
Important Considerations
- Dicyclomine works by relaxing smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, making it effective for treating IBS and similar conditions characterized by abdominal cramping and pain.
- The medication should be taken consistently throughout the day to maintain therapeutic levels in the body.
- Patients should be aware that common side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.
- Dicyclomine should be taken 30-60 minutes before meals for optimal effect, and patients should avoid alcohol while using this medication as it may enhance drowsiness and other side effects.
- It is also important to note that dicyclomine can interact with other medications, such as HCTZ, and cause contraction alkalosis, as reported in a recent case study 2.
- Additionally, intravenous administration of dicyclomine should be avoided due to the potential for thrombosis, as reported in a recent case report and literature review 3.
Administration and Monitoring
- Patients should be monitored for signs of thrombosis, such as swelling, pain, or discoloration of the affected limb, if dicyclomine is administered intravenously.
- Patients should also be monitored for signs of contraction alkalosis, such as dyspnea, swallowing difficulty, and vomiting, if dicyclomine is administered with HCTZ.
- The dosage and administration of dicyclomine should be adjusted based on the patient's response to treatment and the presence of any side effects.