What is Dicicloverine (Dicycloverine)?

From the Guidelines

Dicicloverina, also known as dicyclomine, is a recommended antispasmodic medication for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to its effectiveness in reducing abdominal pain and global symptoms, as supported by the most recent guideline from the British Society of Gastroenterology 1.

Key Points

• The typical adult dosage of dicicloverina is 20-40 mg taken orally three to four times daily, with a maximum daily dose of 160 mg.
• Treatment usually begins at lower doses and increases gradually to minimize side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, and constipation.
• Dicicloverina works by blocking acetylcholine receptors, which relaxes smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract and reduces painful spasms and cramping.
• This medication should be used with caution in elderly patients and those with certain conditions like glaucoma, urinary retention, or severe heart disease.
• It's best taken 30 minutes before meals for optimal effect, and patients should avoid alcohol while taking dicicloverina as it may enhance drowsiness and other side effects.

Evidence-Based Recommendation

The British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of IBS suggest that antispasmodics, including dicicloverina, can be used as a first-line treatment for IBS, with a significant reduction in global symptoms and abdominal pain compared to placebo 1. Additionally, the AGA clinical practice guideline on the pharmacological management of IBS with diarrhea also recommends the use of antispasmodics, including dicicloverina, for the treatment of IBS symptoms 1.

Important Considerations

• If symptoms don't improve after two weeks of treatment, consult your healthcare provider for reevaluation.
• The use of dicicloverina should be individualized, taking into account the patient's medical history, current medications, and potential side effects.
• Patients should be monitored for adverse events, such as dry mouth, dizziness, and constipation, and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Dicicloverina

• Dicicloverina, also known as dicyclomine, is an antispasmodic medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders 2.
• It works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the intestines and reducing spasms, which can help to alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and discomfort 2.
• Dicicloverina is one of several antispasmodic agents available, including alverine, mebeverine, otilonium, and pinaverium, each with different mechanisms of action and varying degrees of efficacy and safety 3, 2.
• The efficacy and safety of dicicloverina for the treatment of chronic abdominal pain in patients with IBS and other disorders of gut-brain interaction have been examined in several studies, with mixed results 2.
• Some studies have reported positive effects of dicicloverina on symptom control in IBS patients, while others have found no significant difference between dicicloverina and placebo 2.
• The safety profile of dicicloverina is generally considered to be excellent, with few adverse effects reported in clinical trials 3, 2.
• Other treatments for IBS, such as peppermint oil, have also been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms, including abdominal pain and discomfort, and may be considered as alternative or complementary therapies 4, 5.