Dicyclomine tablets or capsules

What is this medicine?

DICYCLOMINE (dye SYE kloe meen) is used to treat bowel problems including irritable bowel syndrome.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• agitation, nervousness, confusion

• difficulty swallowing

• dizziness, drowsiness

• fast or slow heartbeat

• hallucinations

• pain or difficulty passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• headache

• nausea or vomiting

• sexual difficulty

What may interact with this medicine?

• amantadine

• antacids

• benztropine

• digoxin

• disopyramide

• medicines for allergies, colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for alzheimer's disease

• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems

• medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for diarrhea

• medicines for pain

• metoclopramide

• tegaserod

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• difficulty passing urine

• esophagus problems or heartburn

• glaucoma

• heart disease, or previous heart attack

• myasthenia gravis

• prostate trouble

• stomach infection, or obstruction

• ulcerative colitis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dicyclomine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, avoid alcoholic drinks.

Stay out of bright light and wear sunglasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

Avoid extreme heat (hot tubs, saunas). This medicine can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.

Antacids can stop this medicine from working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 1 to 2 hours before or after you take this medicine.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.