From the Guidelines
Yes, Bentyl (dicyclomine) can cause constipation.
Mechanism of Action
As an antimuscarinic, dicyclomine reduces intestinal motility, which can lead to increased water reabsorption and potentially cause constipation 1.
Clinical Evidence
While the provided studies do not directly report constipation as a side effect of dicyclomine, they do mention that antispasmodics, including dicyclomine, can reduce smooth muscle contraction and possibly visceral hypersensitivity 1.
Adverse Events
The most common adverse events reported for antispasmodics, including dicyclomine, were dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision, but constipation is a known side effect of antimuscarinics due to their mechanism of action 1.
Key Points
- Dicyclomine is an antimuscarinic that reduces intestinal motility
- Antimuscarinics can cause constipation due to reduced intestinal motility
- Common adverse events reported for antispasmodics do not include constipation, but it is a known side effect of the medication class 1
From the FDA Drug Label
Gastrointestinal Disorders: abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting Yes, Bentyl (dicyclomine) can cause constipation 2.
From the Research
Medication-Induced Constipation
- Constipation is a potential side effect of many medications, including those used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 3
- Anticholinergic medications, such as dicyclomine, can cause constipation due to their effect on the digestive system 4, 5
Dicyclomine and Constipation
- Dicyclomine, also known as Bentyl, is an antispasmodic medication used to treat IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain and bowel habits 4, 5
- While dicyclomine can improve bowel habits in some patients, its anticholinergic properties may also contribute to constipation in others 4, 6
- A study comparing the therapeutic effects of fluoxetine and duloxetine hydrochloride on patients with constipation-predominant IBS found that dicyclomine alone was less effective than combination therapy with fluoxetine or duloxetine in reducing symptoms, including constipation 6
Management of Constipation
- Patients taking medications that may cause constipation, such as dicyclomine, should be educated on how to prevent, reduce, or treat medication-induced constipation 3
- Strategies for managing constipation may include dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and exercise, as well as the use of laxatives or other medications if necessary 5, 3