Dicycloverine

Dicycloverine

Dicycloverine, also called dicyclomine, helps patients find relief from lower abdominal cramps and pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diverticular disease.

Doctors generally recommend this medicine for functional bowel disorders. Side effects remain rare and usually include dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision.

This article explains what dicycloverine tablets are, their proper usage, potential risks and what precautions you should take before taking this medicine. 

What is Dicycloverine?

Dicycloverine belongs to a group of medicines called antispasmodics or anticholinergics. It works by relaxing the stomach & intestinal muscles to reduce cramps and discomfort. The drug blocks acetylcholine's action at parasympathetic sites in smooth muscle, which leads to decreased muscle contractions and reduced muscle spasm.

Dicycloverine Uses

Dicycloverine hydrochloride treats irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The medicine helps relieve lower abdominal cramps and pain linked to diverticular disease. Clinical guidelines suggest dicycloverine as a first-line treatment for IBS with diarrhoea. 

How and When to Use Dicycloverine Tablet

• You can find dicycloverine in tablets, capsules, and syrup forms. Adults typically take 10-20 mg three to four times daily. 
• Taking this medicine at consistent times each day maintains steady relief. 
• Doctors recommend using dicycloverine only during symptom flare-ups and stopping once symptoms settle. 
• Make sure to take antacids 2 hours before or after dicycloverine to avoid interaction.

Side Effects of Dicycloverine tablet

Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth 
• Increased thirst
• Dizziness 
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness 
• Feeling tired
• Constipation
• Nausea

Serious side effects:

• Hot, flushed, dry skin
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Allergic reactions like rash or swelling

Precautions

• People with certain conditions should not use dicycloverine: glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, intestinal blockage, severe ulcerative colitis, or reflux esophagitis. 
• The medicine should be avoided during breastfeeding. 
• The drug reduces sweating and may cause overheating in warm weather. 
• Be careful while driving as the medicine can affect coordination and cause drowsiness. 
• Tell your doctor about all medications you take, as many medicines interact with dicycloverine.

How Dicycloverine Tablet Works

Your body's digestive system depends on muscle contractions to move food. In IBS, the intestinal muscles have irregular or strong contractions causing spasms. Dicycloverine works through a dual mechanism - it blocks acetylcholine (a chemical messenger) at muscarinic receptors in smooth muscles and acts directly on the muscles. This action targets M1, M3, and M2 receptors that help intestinal muscles relax & prevent painful spasms.

The medicine begins working within 1-2 hours after you take it. Its effects last up to 4 hours. This explains why patients need to take it several times throughout the day.

Can I Take Dicycloverine with Other Medicines?

Dicycloverine interacts with many medicines. These are:

• Antacids
• Anticholinergic medications like amantadine, atropine
• Antihistamines like cetirizine
• Diazepam
• Glaucoma medicines
• Opioid pain medications like meperidine

Dosage Information

Adults with IBS should follow these guidelines:

• Standard dose: 10-20 mg three times daily
• Maximum dose: Up to 40 mg four times daily

Children aged 2-11 years can take one tablet three times daily. The medicine should never be given to infants under 6 months.

Conclusion

Dicycloverine helps people dealing with irritable bowel syndrome & other digestive issues. The medicine works by targeting muscle spasms in your digestive tract and provides relief when stomach cramps and discomfort get too much to handle. The medicine is generally safe but you should look out for side effects like dry mouth, dizziness, or blurred vision. 

Knowing how this medicine works gives you the ability to use it safely. While dicycloverine won't cure IBS completely, it definitely helps control symptoms that affect your daily routine. Many patients find that their quality of life improves a lot when they balance the right dosage with proper precautions.

FAQs

1. Is dicyclomine for diarrhoea?

Dicycloverine is not the first choice for treating diarrhoea. Other medications like loperamide work better to manage diarrhoea symptoms. This medication helps with abdominal pain and spasms that come with irritable bowel syndrome.

2. Is Dicycloverine high risk?

Dicycloverine carries a moderate risk. Elderly patients need extra care because they are more likely to experience side effects like confusion, drowsiness and heat stroke. The medicine reduces your body's ability to sweat during hot weather, which can lead to overheating.

3. Is Dicycloverine safe for the kidneys?

You need to be careful if you have kidney problems. Your kidneys filter out most of the dicycloverine hydrochloride. Your doctor might need to adjust your dose if you have kidney conditions.

4. How long does Dicycloverine take to work?

You will start feeling relief from symptoms 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking dicycloverine. The medicine reaches its full effect within 60 to 90 minutes.

5. What happens if I miss a dose?

Take your missed dose when you remember it. But if it is almost time for your next dose skip the missed one and follow your schedule. 

6. What happens if I overdose?

Watch for these overdose signs like headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, dilated pupils, hot dry skin, dizziness, and confusion. Get emergency help immediately if you notice these symptoms.

7. What not to take with Dicycloverine?

Keep antacids separate - take them 2 hours before or after dicycloverine. Be careful with medications for allergies, anxiety, depression, pain, diarrhoea and metoclopramide as they might not mix well.

8. Who cannot take Dicycloverine?

This medicine isn't safe for people with glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, intestinal blockage, severe ulcerative colitis, reflux esophagitis, or urinary blockage. Babies under 6 months old should never take this medicine.

9. When should I take Dicycloverine?

The right timing helps dicycloverine work better. Most doctors suggest taking it at consistent times each day. You should take it before or after meals with a glass of water for the best results.

10. How many days to take Dicycloverine?

Doctors usually recommend taking dicycloverine until your symptoms get better. You might need it for just a week or two (if you are treating IBS flareups). Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan if symptoms continue.

11. When to stop Dicycloverine?

Your doctor should decide when you stop taking dicycloverine. The cramps or pain might return if you stop on your own. Doctors typically suggest stopping if you don't see improvements within two weeks.

12. Is it safe to take Dicycloverine daily?

You can take dicycloverine daily under your doctor's supervision (especially for long term conditions like IBS). Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose and adjust it based on how you respond.

13. What is the difference between loperamide and dicycloverine?

Loperamide helps with diarrhoea, while dicycloverine relieves abdominal cramps. These medications work differently - dicycloverine acts as an antispasmodic while loperamide controls bowel movements.

14. What is the best time to take Dicycloverine?

Take dicycloverine 30-60 minutes before meals for the best results. This timing helps prevent stomach spasms that often occur after eating.

15. What to avoid when taking Dicycloverine?

Stay away from alcohol since it can make you more drowsy. Don't drive until you understand the medicine's effects on you. Take antacids 2 hours before or after dicycloverine to ensure proper absorption.