The most common dicyclomine side effects include upset stomach, dry mouth, and vomiting. Other dicyclomine side effects include loss of appetite, headache, blurred vision, constipation, and tingling. Dicyclomine is used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, and is referred to as an anticholinergic medication. Although generally well tolerated by most people, dicyclomine does produce side effects, however, they are usually mild and temporary.
Dicyclomine is available in syrup, tablet, or capsule form and doctors generally start patients with the lowest possible dose, before gradually increasing the strength. This medication helps alleviate abdominal spasms and pain, and is also known by its trade name of Bentyl®. The dicyclomine side effects can be minimized or reduced by taking it with food or taking a lower dose. If side effects become severe, the health care provider should be notified.
Though dicyclomine side effects are typically mild, serious side effects can occur. Serious dicyclomine side effects include pounding heartbeat, hallucinations, inappropriate mood, fainting, and even coma. Also, excessive tiredness, flushed skin, profound fatigue, and marked insomnia can occur. Allergic reaction is possible when taking this medication and signs of an allergic reaction include wheezing, chest tightness, hives, and closing of the throat. If these allergic reactions occur, the medication should be discontinued immediately, and emergency medical treatment should be sought at once.
Certain medications can interact with dicyclomine and cause a negative reaction. Some of these medications include antidepressants, medications to treat motion sickness, seizure medication, and narcotic pain relievers. Also, certain heart medications, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications can cause a negative interaction with dicyclomine. The health care provider should be made aware of any prescription or non-prescription medications being taken, as well as any dietary supplements or vitamins being taken.
The health care provider should be told of any pre-existing medical conditions that are present before prescribing this medication. Some of these medical conditions include glaucoma, esophageal reflux disease, hyperthyroidism and heart disease. Also, the health care provider should be notified if kidney or liver disease is present or if the individual is pregnant or breast feeding. Taking this medication while breast feeding may be harmful to the baby and might cause significant side effects such as excessive drowsiness.
Drinking alcohol should be avoided when taking dicyclomine because it can intensify side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and blurred vision. This medication also can cause the body's natural cooling system to malfunction. This means that at extremely high temperatures, the medication may cause a fever or in extreme cases, heat stroke.