Why is this medication prescribed?
Dicyclomine relieves spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) by blocking the actions of spasm-causing chemicals in the body. Dicyclomine is used to treat functional bowel, irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) or urinary spasms. It is used to reduce contraction of the muscles in the intestines.
This medicine is in a class of drugs called anticholinergics. These drugs block the effects of acetylcholine, the chemical transmitter that nerves release in order to cause muscles to contract. They prevent contraction of the muscles by blocking the acetylcholine receptors on the muscle cells. Anticholinergic drugs also have a direct relaxing effect on muscle.
It is sold under the trade names Bentylol® (Hoechst Marion Roussel), Formulex® (ICN), and Lomine® (Riva).
Dosage and using this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?