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Dicycloverine
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About dicycloverine
| Type of medicine | Antimuscarinic |
| Used for | Muscle spasms of the stomach or intestines |
| Also called | Merbentyl® Dicyclomine (previously known as) |
| Available as | Tablets and oral liquid |
Dicycloverine is used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach and intestines (gut). It can be used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and similar conditions. It works by relaxing the muscles of the stomach and intestines which are causing the problem.
Before taking dicycloverine
Before taking dicycloverine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are currently suffering from a fever or diarrhoea.
- If you have glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
- If you have prostate problems.
- If you have an over-active thyroid.
- If you have stomach or intestinal (gut) problems such as hiatus hernia, reflux disease (acid heartburn), ulcerative colitis, pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the outlet from the stomach) or paralytic ileus (blockage of the bowel).
- If you have heart problems, high blood pressure or have recently had heart surgery.
- If you know you have heart rhythm problems.
- If you have Down's syndrome.
- If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- Important: dicycloverine is not suitable for infants under 6 months of age.
How to take dicycloverine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Make sure you know which dose is right for you.
- Take dicycloverine exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. It is usually taken three times a day.
- In infants between 6 months and 2 years of age, give dicycloverine 15 minutes before a feed.
- Try to take dicycloverine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this medicine.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking dicycloverine.
Can dicycloverine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Constipation | Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day and eat a diet containing plenty of fruit and fibre |
| Increased sensitivity of the eyes to light | Wearing sunglasses or avoiding too much sunlight should help |
| Dry mouth | Try sucking sugar-free sweets, pieces of ice or chewing sugar-free gum |
| Dry skin | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable moisturiser |
| Drowsiness, blurred sight | Make sure your sight and reactions are normal before driving or operating machinery or doing any other jobs that would be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Changes in the pace of heartbeats, large pupils, and an urgency or difficulty in passing water | Let your doctor know if these become troublesome |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store dicycloverine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
|
References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Merbentyl® 10 mg Tablets, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2008, accessed June 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Merbentyl® Syrup, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2008, accessed June 2009.
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.
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