Generic name: Dicyclomine Capsules and Tablets [ dye-SYE-kloe-meen ]
Brand names: Bentyl, Triactin
Drug class: Anticholinergics / antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2024.

Uses of Bentyl:

• It is used to treat GI (gastrointestinal) spasms.
• It is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Bentyl?

For all patients taking Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets):

• If you have an allergy to dicyclomine or any other part of Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets).
• If you are allergic to Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets); any part of Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, heart problems due to bleeding, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, reflux esophagitis, slow moving GI (gastrointestinal tract), trouble passing urine, or very bad ulcerative colitis.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets).

Children:

• If your child is younger than 6 months of age. Do not give Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets) to an infant younger than 6 months of age.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Bentyl?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets) affects you.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
• Bright lights may bother you. Wear sunglasses.
• Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
• Do not take antacids at the same time as Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets). Talk with your doctor.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets) while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Bentyl) best taken?

Use Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

dicyclomine, hyoscyamine, Xifaxan, Metamucil, rifaximin, Lotronex

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Fever.
• Not sweating during activities or in warm temperatures.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling confused.
• Trouble swallowing or speaking.
• Change in balance.
• Change in eyesight.
• Larger pupils.
• If bright lights bother your eyes.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Diarrhea.
• Fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Memory problems or loss.
• Mood changes.

What are some other side effects of Bentyl?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Upset stomach.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Dry mouth.
• More thirst.
• Dry skin.
• Flushing.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Constipation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Bentyl?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Bentyl (dicyclomine capsules and tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer