Bentyl (Dicyclomine) Dosing
For adults with irritable bowel syndrome, the standard dose of Bentyl (dicyclomine) is 40 mg four times daily (160 mg/day total), taken orally. 1
Adult Dosing
- Standard dose: 40 mg orally four times daily for treatment of IBS-associated abdominal pain and spasm 1
- Alternative formulation: 40 mg sustained-release tablets have been shown equivalent in efficacy and side effects to 20 mg plain tablets given more frequently 2
- Route of administration: Oral administration only is recommended 1, 2
Critical Safety Warning
- Never administer dicyclomine intravenously - IV administration can cause thrombosis, including both non-occlusive and occlusive venous thrombosis 3
- Dicyclomine should only be given orally or intramuscularly (20 mg IM when oral route unavailable) 3
- The thrombotic risk from IV administration appears related to M3 receptor inhibition blocking nitric oxide activation, promoting clot formation 3
Pediatric Dosing
- No established pediatric dosing is available in the evidence provided - the studies examined only adult populations 1, 2
Special Populations
Elderly and Renal/Hepatic Impairment
- No specific dose adjustments are provided in the available evidence for elderly patients or those with renal or hepatic impairment 1, 2
- Given the anticholinergic properties, caution is warranted in elderly patients who may be more susceptible to anticholinergic side effects 1
Expected Adverse Effects
- The majority of side effects are anticholinergic in nature (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation) 1
- These anticholinergic effects are expected and dose-related 1
Treatment Duration and Efficacy
- Efficacy has been demonstrated over a 2-week treatment period, showing superiority to placebo in decreasing abdominal pain, reducing abdominal tenderness, and improving bowel habits 1