Dicycloverine

Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic that blocks muscarinic receptors. Dicyclomine is known as dicycloverine hydrochloride in the UK.

Clinical uses

Dicyclomine is used to treat intestinal hypermotility, the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (also known as spastic colon). It relieves muscle spasms and cramping in the gastrointestinal tract by blocking the activity of acetylcholine on cholinergic (or muscarinic) receptors on the surface of muscle cells. It is a smooth muscle relaxant.

In America, it is sold under the trade names: Bentyl, Byclomine, Dibent, Di-Spaz, Dilomine.

In the UK it is sold under the trade names: Merbentyl (containing 10mg dicycloverine) and Merbentyl 20 (containing 20mg dicycloverine).

It is also sold in the UK as part of a multi-ingredient preparation under the trade name Kolanticon (Peckforton Pharmaceuticals), which in addition to dicycloverine hydrochloride, contains an antiflatulent (simethicone) and two antacids (aluminium hydroxide and magnesium oxide).

It is sold under the trade names Bentylol (Hoechst Marion Roussel), Formulex (ICN), and Lomine (Riva) in Canada.

Side effects

Dicyclomine can cause a range of anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, nausea and at higher doses, deliriant effects. Abuse of this drug has been reported in Brazil.

Sources

• Brenner, G. M. (2000). Pharmacology. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-7757-6
• Canadian Pharmacists Association (2000). Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (25th ed.). Toronto, ON: Webcom. ISBN 0-919115-76-4

External links

• Dicyclomine on Medicine Net
• Dicyclomine on Medline Plus