Dicyclomine Hydrochloride

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride is a synthetic acetylcholine analogue known for its antimuscarinic activity. It targets explicitly muscarinic receptors M1, M2, and M3 found in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract. By antagonising these receptors, dicyclomine hydrochloride effectively prevents the actions of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that would otherwise promote muscle contractions and spasms in the gastrointestinal system.

This medication plays a key role in moderating the problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by decreasing the frequency & severity of muscle spasms. Additionally, it has a non-competitive inhibitory effect on the action of histamine and bradykinin, which contributes to its ability to lessen the strength of contractions in the ileum, a part of the small intestine.

Dicyclomine is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and syrup, and is typically administered four times a day. Patients must stick to their prescribed dosage and schedule to optimise the effectiveness of the treatment while minimising potential dicyclomine hcl side effects.

Uses of Dicyclomine Hydrochloride

• Dicyclomine hydrochloride is primarily prescribed for managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 
• Dicyclomine hydrochloride can also be prescribed for other functional bowel disorders.  It effectively alleviates the disttressing symptoms associated with bowel disorders, enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals by relaxing the smooth muscles in the stomach and intestines.
• Dicyclomine can also help alleviate colicky pain, which comes in waves and is often associated with spasms in the intestines or other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Dicyclomine is also beneficial to other types of gastrointestinal spasms, including those related to GI conditions like diverticulitis or gastroenteritis.

How to Use Dicyclomine Hydrochloride

To use dicyclomine hydrochloride effectively, patients should follow these guidelines:

• Administration Method: Take dicyclomine hydrochloride by mouth with a glass of water. It is best to take this medication on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals.
• Dosage Schedule: Follow the directions on the prescription label closely. Patients usually take their medication at regular intervals, four times daily, to maintain consistent relief. Do not take the medication more often than directed.
• Missed Doses: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if the time for the next dose has come, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.
• Storage: You should store dicyclomine hydrochloride at room temperature {range is 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)}. Avoid exposing the medication to excessive heat and cold temperatures.
• Safety Precautions:
  • Do not take antacids within 1 to 2 hours before or after dicyclomine hydrochloride, as they can impede its effectiveness.
  • This medication can affect alertness or coordination and cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
  • Keep dicyclomine hydrochloride out of reach of children, and do not share it with others, even if they have the same condition.
• Special Considerations:
  • Discuss with your doctor about the use of this medication in children, as special care may be needed.
  • Older adults, especially those over 65, may react more strongly to the medication and require a smaller dose.

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Side Effects

Patients using dicyclomine hydrochloride often experience several mild side effects, which typically resolve within a few days to weeks. Common side effects of this medicine are dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, sleepiness, weakness, and nervousness. These signs usually disappear as the body adjusts to the medication.

Serious Side Effects:

Serious side effects, although less common, require immediate medical attention. These include abnormal or rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, significant constipation, and severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat, and difficulty breathing. Other serious symptoms are confusion, hallucinations, memory problems, and issues with balance or muscle movement.

Precautions

When considering dicyclomine hydrochloride for symptom management, patients and doctors must be aware of several precautions to ensure safe use, including: 

• Individuals with conditions such as glaucoma, particularly angle-closure glaucoma, should avoid dicyclomine due to the risk of exacerbating the condition. 
• Those suffering from myasthenia gravis, severe ulcerative colitis, or any form of intestinal or urinary obstruction should not use this medication, as it could severely worsen these conditions.
• Patients must inform their doctor of all medications they are currently taking, as dicyclomine can react adversely with a wide range of drugs, including antacids, anticholinergics, and various prescription medications like metoclopramide, potentially reducing their effectiveness. 
• It is also crucial to discuss any history of heart, liver, or kidney disease, as these conditions may require adjustments to the treatment plan.
• Dicyclomine is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers due to its presence in breast milk, which can lead to serious side effects in infants. 
• Elderly patients should exercise caution or avoid dicyclomine altogether, as they are more susceptible to its side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, and overheating, which could lead to heat stroke in hot environments.
• Patients should avoid working on heavy machinery or driving until they understand how dicyclomine affects their vision and alertness. 
•  Alcohol can intensify the drowsiness caused by dicyclomine, so patients should also consider this interaction to avoid compounded effects.

How Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Works

Dicyclomine hydrochloride operates as an antispasmodic and anticholinergic agent that effectively alleviates smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. It achieves this through a dual mechanism. Firstly, it exerts a specific anticholinergic effect at the acetylcholine-receptor sites, blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for muscle contractions. Secondly, dicyclomine directly impacts the smooth muscle, reducing the strength and frequency of spasms.

This medication belongs to a class known as anticholinergics or antispasmodics, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines. By inhibiting the action of acetylcholine and blocking the receptors M1, M3, and M2, dicyclomine decreases gastrointestinal motility and secretion. Additionally, it non-competitively inhibits the actions of bradykinin and histamine, further reducing the contractions in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the ileum.

Can I take Dicyclomine Hydrochloride with Other Medicines?

Patients must consult their doctor before combining dicyclomine hydrochloride with other medications. Dicyclomine hydrochloride can interact with a variety of drugs, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects. For instance, the concurrent use of antacids and dicyclomine should be managed carefully, as antacids can reduce the absorption of dicyclomine, diminishing its efficacy.

Additionally, combining dicyclomine with other anticholinergic drugs can enhance the effects and side effects of both medications, which might lead to increased drowsiness, dry mouth, or vision disturbances. It is also essential to avoid using dicyclomine with opioid pain medications or antihistamines that cause drowsiness, as this can further impair cognitive and motor functions.

Dosing Information

Dicyclomine hydrochloride comes in various forms and strengths, tailored for both adult and paediatric use. Adults typically start with an initial dose of 20 mg taken orally four times daily, which may increase to 40 mg four times a day based on response and tolerance.

Paediatric dosing for children over six months starts at 5 mg orally every six to eight hours and should not exceed 20 mg per day. For older children, the dosage may be increased to 10 mg every six to eight hours, with a maximum of 40 mg per day.

Elderly patients require careful consideration due to a higher incidence of anticholinergic effects. They typically start with 10-20 mg orally every six hours, with close monitoring to adjust the dose as needed without exceeding 160 mg daily.

To maximise absorption and effectiveness, patients should take dicyclomine hydrochloride 30 to 60 minutes before meals. Adhering strictly to the prescribed dosing schedule is crucial to avoid potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

FAQs

1. Is dicyclomine hydrochloride a painkiller?

Dicyclomine hydrochloride is not a traditional painkiller. It belongs to a class of medications known as anticholinergics or antispasmodics, which are primarily used to manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By putting the brakes on the natural movements of the gut and blocking certain natural substances, dicyclomine hydrochloride effectively relieves muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby alleviating colicky-type pain associated with IBS.

2. What is Dicycloverine hydrochloride used for?

These tablets contain a medicine called dicycloverine hydrochloride, which is part of the antispasmodics group. Dicyclomine hydrochloride tablets work by relaxing the muscles in the stomach and gut (intestine), stopping sudden muscle contractions (spasms). This action helps relieve symptoms such as cramps, pain, bloating, wind, and discomfort, making it particularly useful for treating stomach or intestine problems, including irritable bowel syndrome.