Dicyclomine injection

What is this medicine?

DICYCLOMINE (dye SYE kloe meen) is used to treat bowel problems including irritable bowel syndrome. It is believed to be effective in reducing spasm of the bowel.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• agitation, nervousness, confusion

• difficulty swallowing

• dizziness, drowsiness

• fast or slow heartbeat

• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)

• 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 (impotence)

What may interact with this medicine?

• amantadine

• benztropine

• digoxin

• disopyramide

• metoclopramide

• medicines for Alzheimer's disease

• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems

• medicines for allergies, colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for diarrhea

• medicines for pain

• tegaserod

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving 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 (e.g., 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.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.