Clemastine

Definition

Antispasmodic drugs relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder.

Purpose

The drug described here, dicyclomine (Bentyl), is prescribed to treat a condition called irritable bowel syndrome. In some people, the main symptom is abdominal pain. In others, it is diarrhea or alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

Description

Dicyclomine is available only with a prescription and is sold as capsules, tablets (regular and extended-release forms), and syrup.

Recommended dosage

The usual dosage for adults is 20 mg, four times a day. However, the physician may recommend starting at a lower dosage and gradually increasing the dose to reduce the chance of unwanted side effects.

The dosage for children depends on the child's age. Check with the child's physician for the correct dosage.

Precautions

Dicyclomine makes some people sweat less, which allows the body to overheat and may lead to heat prostration (fever and heat stroke). Anyone taking this drug should try to avoid extreme heat. If that is not possible, check with the physician who prescribed the drug. If heat prostration occurs, stop taking the medicine and call a physician immediately.

This medicine can cause drowsiness and blurred or double vision. People who take this drug should not drive, use machines, or do anything else that might be dangerous until they have found out how the medicine affects them.

Dicyclomine should not be given to infants or children unless the physician decides the use of this drug is necessary. Diclyclomine should not be used by women who are breast feeding. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should check with their physicians before using this drug.

Anyone with the following medical conditions should not take dicyclomine unless directed to do so by a physician:

• Previous sensitivity or allergic reaction to dicyclomine
• Glaucoma
• Myasthenia gravis
• Blockage of the urinary tract, stomach, or intestines
• Severe ulcerative colitis
• Reflux esophagitis.

In addition, patients with these conditions should check with their physicians before using dicyclomine:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Enlarged prostate gland
• Hiatal hernia
• Autonomic neuropathy (a nerve disorder)
• Hyperthyroidism.

Side effects

The most common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, nervousness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and weakness. Other side effects may occur. Anyone who has unusual symptoms after taking dicyclomine should get in touch with his or her physician.

Interactions

Dicyclomine may interact with other medicines. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effects may be greater. Among the drugs that may interact with Dicyclomine are:

• Antacids such as Maalox
• Antihistamines such as clemastine fumarate (Tavist)
• Bronchodilators (airway opening drugs) such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• Tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax).

The list above does not include every drug that may interact with dicyclomine. Be sure to check with a physician or pharmacist before combining dicyclomine with any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicine.

Key Terms

Heat stroke

A serious condition that results from exposure to extreme heat. The body loses its ability to cool itself. Severe headache, high fever, and hot, dry skin may result. In severe cases, a person with heat stroke may collapse or go into a coma.

Hiatal hernia

A condition in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm.

Hyperthyroidism

Secretion of excess thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

Inflammation

Pain, redness, swelling, and heat that usually develop in response to injury or illness.

Myasthenia gravis

A condition in which certain muscles weaken and may become paralyzed.

Reflux esophagitis

Inflammation of the lower esophagus caused by the backflow of stomach contents.

Spasm

Sudden, involuntary tensing of a muscle or a group of muscles

Ulcerative colitis

Long-lasting and repeated inflammation of the colon with the development of sores.

Further Reading

Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Gale Research, 1999.