Bentyl dosage

DOSAGE MUST BE ADJUSTED TO INDIVIDUAL PATIENT NEEDS

Adults-Oral. The only oral dose clearly shown to be effective is 160 mg per day (in 4 equally divided doses). Since this dose is associated with a significant incidence of side effects, it is prudent to begin with 80 mg per day (in 4 equally divided doses). Depending upon the patient's response during the first week of therapy, the dose should be increased to 160 mg per day unless side effects limit dosage escalation. If efficacy is not achieved within 2 weeks or side effects require doses below 80 mg per day, the drug should be discontinued. Documented safety data are not available for doses above 80 mg daily for periods longer than 2 weeks.

Adults-Intramuscular Injection. NOT FOR INTRAVENOUS USE.

The intramuscular dosage form is to be used temporarily when the patient cannot take oral medication. Intramuscular injection is about twice as bioavailable as oral dosage forms; consequently, the recommended intramuscular dose is 80 mg daily (in 4 equally divided doses). Oral dicyclomine hydrochloride should be started as soon as possible and the intramuscular form should not be used for periods longer than 1 or 2 days.

ASPIRATE THE SYRINGE BEFORE INJECTING TO AVOID INTRAVASUCLAR INJECTION, SINCE THROMBOSIS MAY OCCUR IF THE DRUG IS INADVERTENTLY INJECTED INTRAVASCULARLY. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Elderly: In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

can you take Bentyl when pregnant

Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 33 times the maximum recommended human dose based on 160 mg/day (3 mg/kg) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to dicyclomine. Epidemiologic studies in pregnant women with products containing dicyclomine hydrochloride (at doses up to 40 mg/day) have not shown that dicyclomine increases the risk of fetal abnormalities if administered during the first trimester of pregnancy. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women at the recommended doses (80-l60 mg/day). Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, dicyclomine as indicated for functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Bentyl

Generic Name: dicyclomine
Brand Names: Bentyl

What is Bentyl?

Bentyl relieves spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) by blocking the actions of spasm-causing chemicals in the body.

Bentyl is used to treat functional bowel or irritable bowel syndrome.

Bentyl may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Bentyl?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Bentyl may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Bentyl.

Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Bentyl increases the risk of heat stroke because it causes decreased sweating.

Who should not take Bentyl?
Do not take Bentyl if you have

*a blockage of your urinary tract (difficulty urinating);
*a blockage in your intestines;
*reflux disease;
*glaucoma; or
*myasthenia gravis.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

*numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
* liver disease;
* kidney disease;
*ulcerative colitis;
*thyroid problems;
*high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or any type of heart disease;
*hiatal hernia; or
*enlargement of the prostate.

Bentyl is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Bentyl without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not take Bentyl if you are breast-feeding a baby. Bentyl can cause serious breathing problems in infants younger than 6 months of age.

How should I take Bentyl?

Take Bentyl exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Bentyl with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Store Bentyl at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Bentyl missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Bentyl overdose
Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Bentyl overdose include headache; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; difficulty swallowing; blurred vision; dilated pupils; hot, dry skin; dizziness; drowsiness; confusion; anxiety; seizures; weak pulse; and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking Bentyl?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Bentyl may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Bentyl.

Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Bentyl increases the risk of heat stroke because it decreases sweating.

Bentyl side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Bentyl and seek emergency medical attention:

*an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
*an irregular or fast heart rate.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Bentyl and talk to your doctor if you experience

*headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;
*weakness or nervousness;
*blurred vision, large pupils;
*rash or itching;
*difficulty urinating;
*decreased sweating; or
*nasal congestion, stuffiness, or a dry mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Bentyl, drug interactions

Many other drugs may increase the side effects of Bentyl. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

*amantadine (Symmetrel);
*quinidine (Quinaglute, Cardioquin, Quinora, Quinidex);
*antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, many others), brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromfed, many others), triprolidine (Actifed, others), and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, others), which are found in many over-the-counter and prescription cough, cold, and allergy medications;
*decongestants and appetite suppressants such as phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, others), phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, others), and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), which are also found in many over-the-counter and prescription products;
* phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and prochlorperazine (Compazine);
* other commonly used phenothiazines, including fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and promazine (Sparine);
* benzodiazepines (sleep and anxiety medications) such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium);
* other commonly used benzodiazepines, including chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), clonazepam (Klonopin), estazolam (Prosom), flurazepam (Dalmane), halazepam (Paxipam), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), quazepam (Doral), temazepam (Restoril), and triazolam (Halcion);
* monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and phenelzine (Nardil);
*narcotic analgesics such as codeine (Tylenol #3, and many other prescription pain relievers), morphine (MS Contin, Roxanol, Astramorph, Duramorph), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and propoxyphene (Darvocet, Darvon, Wygesic);
*nitrates such as isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil, Sorbitrate) and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO);
* tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor); or
* other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants, including: amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil).

Bentyl may increase the level of digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps) in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are taking digoxin so that your digoxin levels can be monitored and changes in your dosage can be made if necessary.

Do not take antacids at the same time as Bentyl. They may decrease its absorption.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Bentyl. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

More Bentyl information

* Your pharmacist has more information about Bentyl written for health professionals that you may read.

What does Bentyl look like?

Bentyl is available with a prescription under the brand name Bentyl. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

*Bentyl 10 mg--blue capsules
*Bentyl 20 mg--light-blue, round tablets
*Bentyl Syrup 10 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon)--pink syrup

Bentyl Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual dosage is 160 milligrams per day divided into 4 equal doses. Since this dose is associated with a significant incidence of side effects, your doctor may recommend a starting dose of 80 milligrams per day divided into 4 equal doses. If no side effects appear, the doctor will then increase the dose.

If Bentyl is not effective within 2 weeks or side effects require doses below 80 milligrams per day, your doctor may discontinue it.

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Bentyl

Prescription Bentyl: Drug Uses

Bentyl is used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder.

Prescription Bentyl: How Taken

Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Prescription Bentyl: Warnings/Precautions

Talk to your doctor if you are or plan on becoming pregnant before taking this medicine. Check with your doctor before you stop using this medicine . Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are using before stopping completely. Stopping this medicine may cause withdrawal side effects such as vomiting, sweating, and dizziness.

Prescription Bentyl: Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Prescription Bentyl: Possible Side Effects

You may experience the following side effects while on Bentyl treatment: confusion or memory loss; constipation; difficult urination; drowsiness; dryness of mouth, nose, throat, or skin; and unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability.

Prescription Bentyl: Storage

Store at controlled room temperature between 15o- 30oC (59o - 86oF). Keep out of the reach of children.

Prescription Bentyl: Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention. The symptoms of a Bentyl overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, dilated pupils, hot dry skin, dizziness, dryness of the mouth, difficulty in swallowing.

Prescription Bentyl: More Information

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert and clearheaded.

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