Bentyl can be used to treat functional bowel syndrome as well as irritable bowel syndrome.
Bentyl (Dicycloverine) prescription available online
If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, Bentyl can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Bentyl today from a board-certified doctor online.*
About Bentyl
Bentyl is a medication that works predominantly via its anticholinergic effects. Anticholinergic medications block the action of acetylcholine at various sites of the body. For Irritable Bowel disease, this action relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle and lessens the crampy pain and spasms that patients suffer due to that diagnosis.
Bentyl's single indication for use is in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. It may be used off-label for other conditions not listed here. Bentyl is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including dicyclomine.
Bentyl may be prescribed as an oral solution or an injection, the latter only prescribed or used while one is in the emergency room or hospital. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Bentyl, it is important to take it as directed in order for the medication to adequately treat and manage your medical issue.
Bentyl uses
There is one FDA-approved use for Bentyl, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Bladder Spasms
While not effective for bladder obstruction, there are cases where doctors provide Bentyl as an off-label treatment for bladder spasms.
Bentyl side effects
The side effects associated with taking Bentyl are typically mild, but can sometimes be moderate or severe. Dicyclomine may have anticholinergic effects side effects, such as blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth (xerostomia), and impaired cognitive function Other anticholinergic side effects include drowsiness, constipation, delirium, and hallucination. These side effects may develop at any time and occur more often with higher doses, age greater than 65, and concurrent use of other medications with anticholinergic activity. Side effects may include:
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Nausea
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Xerostomia - dry mouth
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Dizziness
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Blurred vision
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Drowsiness
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Nervousness
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Asthenia - weakness
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Severe constipation or diarrhea
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Worsening of bowel symptoms
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Trouble swallowing
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Bruising
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Memory problems
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Speech problems
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Issues with balance or muscle movement
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Fast or slow heartbeats
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Fluttering feel in the chest
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Confusion
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Changes to behavior
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Hallucinations
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Bentyl is currently approved for use in individuals who are older than 18 years of age.
How to take Bentyl
Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to take your Bentyl prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Bentyl can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed once a day.
What to avoid while taking Bentyl
Bentyl has multiple drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is important to avoid driving or using heavy machinery when taking Bentyl. Dizziness and lightheadedness are relatively common adverse effects that people experience when they use this medication. The medication can also cause dehydration, especially in hot weather. This further contributes to the dizziness that you may experience.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Bentyl.
Medication alternatives to Bentyl
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another anticholinergic and antispasmodics or medication for irritable bowel syndrome in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Diarrhea
Some people with irritable bowel syndrome experience mild symptoms and may not require treatment with a drug like Bentyl. In this case, the specific symptoms that the person has will be targeted through treatment. Diarrhea is a common symptom, and particular drugs may help.
Bentyl prescription FAQs
How much does Bentyl cost?
When you are prescribed Bentyl, the form of the medication and the dose you need to use will affect how much the medicine costs. Apart from these, you may also find that the price differs at every local pharmacy.
How can I refill my Bentyl prescription?
Make an appointment for evaluation by one of our board-certified primary care doctors to discuss your symptoms and evaluate is Bentyl is a suitable medication to consider.
What is Bentyl good for?
Bentyl is a good treatment option for people with irritable bowel syndrome.
What happens if you take Bentyl with food?
There are no officially recorded interactions between Bentyl and food. Your doctor may, however, provide you with specific dosage instructions that you should follow.
Is Bentyl an opioid?
No, Bentyl is not a type of opioid.
When should you take Bentyl?
Take Bentyl as directed per your discussion with your doctor.
When should you not take Dicycloverine?
You should not take Bentyl if you recently had an antacid. The use of an antacid may reduce the overall efficacy that Bentyl provides.
Who should not take Bentyl?
Bentyl is contraindicated in obstructive diseases of the GI tract, severe ulcerative colitis; reflux esophagitis, unstable cardiovascular status in acute hemorrhage, obstructive uropathy, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, and breastfeeding women. Be sure to discuss your full medical history with your doctor at your appointment.
What happens if I miss a dose of Bentyl?
You should take the missed dose once you remember, but skip the dose if you find that it is only a few hours before your next dose.
What happens if I take too much Bentyl?
Too much Bentyl can increase the risk of side effects, especially anticholinergic side effects. Watch out for signs and get emergency medical help if serious side effects develop. You may need to contact your local poison control center to help you understand actions that you can take from your side.
Is Bentyl (dicyclomine) available over the counter?
Dicyclomine, the active ingredient in Bentyl, can have side effects, especially for people with certain health conditions like glaucoma or urinary retention. Your doctor might also recommend other treatment options in conjunction with or instead of Bentyl, such as dietary changes, stress management techniques, or other medications.
While you can't get Bentyl over-the-counter, there are some OTC options that might provide temporary relief for mild digestive discomfort, such as over-the-counter antispasmodics, like simethicone (e.g., Gas-X) to help relieve occasional gas and bloating. Applying a heating pad to your abdomen can provide temporary relief from muscle cramps.
It's important to consult with a doctor regarding any treatment options.
3 simple steps to request your Bentyl prescription today
Book a Bentyl prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Bentyl prescription.
Pick up your Bentyl prescription.
How to talk to your doctor about IBS treatment: helpful questions to ask
During your doctor appointment, it’s important to take all the time you need to get any questions answered and feel comfortable with your treatment plan. At PlushCare, our priority is making sure you receive the information and advice you need when making decisions about your health and wellness. Here are some topics that might be helpful to discuss with your doctor about IBS:
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How can I identify the foods that trigger my symptoms?
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What changes can I make to my diet that would help manage IBS long-term?
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How long will I need to take medication for IBS?
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What non-medicinal methods would be helpful for alleviating my symptoms?
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What should I do if my symptoms continue or worsen?
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Do you have any recommendations for managing IBS flare-ups while at work or school?
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How often do you recommend following up to monitor my treatment?
Bentyl prescription pricing details
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Bentyl prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Dicyclomine Hydrochloride (Bentyl) Tablets." FDA, Accessed October 4, 2023, www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/007409s040,007961s026,008370s031lbl.pdf.
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Drugs.com. "Bentyl.", Accessed October 4, 2023, www.drugs.com/pro/bentyl.html.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.