dicycloverine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Gastrointestinal antispasmodic with antimuscarinic and direct smooth-muscle effects
Administration
Taken by mouth, before or after food
Driving
Do not drive or use machinery if dizziness, sleepiness, fatigue or blurred vision occurs
What is dicycloverine hydrochloride used for?
It is licensed for functional gastrointestinal conditions involving smooth-muscle spasm.
Stomach or intestinal cramps, pain and discomfort caused by smooth-muscle spasm
Symptoms associated with irritable colon, spastic colon or mucous colitis
How does dicycloverine hydrochloride work?
It blocks some acetylcholine activity at muscarinic receptors and also acts directly on gastrointestinal smooth muscle, reducing contractions that cause cramping and pain.
dicycloverine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg/5 mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg
How to take dicycloverine hydrochloride
Take it by mouth as directed on the dispensing label. It may be taken before or after meals.
Swallow tablets with water.
Measure oral solution with the supplied measuring device, not a household spoon.
Take oral solution immediately after diluting it with water or syrup.
dicycloverine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dry mouth or thirst
- Dizziness
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction causing difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Sudden painful blurred vision
- Inability or marked difficulty passing urine
dicycloverine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Observational information has not shown increased fetal abnormalities after first-trimester exposure, but risk cannot be excluded. Use requires an individual prescriber assessment that expected benefit outweighs potential risk.
dicycloverine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is not recommended during breastfeeding. Small amounts can enter breast milk, and a possible case of apnoea has been reported in an exposed infant. Discuss alternatives with a prescriber or pharmacist.
dicycloverine hydrochloride interactions
No formal interaction studies are reported for the selected tablet product, and no interactions are reported for the oral solution. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber to review other prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products.
Common questions about dicycloverine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be taken with food?
Yes. It may be taken before or after meals.
Can it cause dizziness or blurred vision?
Yes. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected by dizziness, tiredness, sleepiness or blurred vision.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.