Before taking dicycloverine

Before taking dicycloverine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have any other digestive system problems, such as reflux disease, diarrhoea, and ulcerative colitis.
• If you have glaucoma (raised pressure in your eye).
• If you have high blood pressure or have had a heart attack.
• If you have prostate problems.
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness).
• If you have been told you have a fast heart rate.
• If you have Down's syndrome.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take dicycloverine

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the specific brand you have been given, and any possible side-effects from taking it.
• The usual dose of dicycloverine for an adult is one 10 mg tablet or one 5 ml spoonful three times a day. If dicycloverine has been prescribed for you by a doctor, your dose may be different to this, in which case your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how much to take and how often to take it.
• You can take dicycloverine before or after meals.
• If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you have bought dicycloverine for irritable bowel syndrome and you develop any new symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen, or if your symptoms have not improved within two weeks of taking it, you should see your doctor for advice (even if you have previously been diagnosed by your doctor).
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with dicycloverine.

Can dicycloverine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or 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

• British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)