Dicyclomine (Bentyl) Indications and Dosage

irritable bowel syndrome

Dicyclomine (Bentyl) Indications and Dosage

For the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disturbances of GI motility:
Oral dosage:
Adults and adolescents: Initially, 20 mg PO four times per day. Increase up to 40 mg PO four times per day during the first week. If the dosage is not effective within 2 weeks of therapy, or if side effects develop which require doses < 80 mg/day PO, the manufacturer recommends drug discontinuation. There are no studies on the safety of doses > 80 mg/day for periods longer than 2 weeks.
Elderly: May require lower adult doses. It is generally recommended that dicyclomine (especially long-term use) be avoided in elderly patients due to the high potential for anticholinergic effects.
Children: 10 mg PO three to four times per day. Do not exceed 40 mg/day PO.
Infants >= 6 months: The syrup formulation is recommended for this age group. The recommended dosage is 5 mg PO (as syrup) three to four times per day.
Infants < 6 months: Contraindicated.

Intramuscular dosage:
Adults: 20 mg IM every 4 - 6 hours for 1 - 2 days. Maximum 80 mg/day IM. Replace with oral therapy as soon as feasible.
Children: Safe and effective use has not been established.

Maximum Dosage Limits:

Adults: 160 mg/day PO; 80 mg/day IM.
Elderly: 160 mg/day PO; lower doses may be needed; avoid long-term use due to anticholinergic effects.
Adolescents: 160 mg/day PO.
Children: 40 mg/day PO.
Infants >= 6 months: 20 mg/day PO.
Infants < 6 months: Contraindicated.

Patients with hepatic impairment:
Specific guidelines are not available. The manufacturer warns to use with caution in patients with hepatic disease.

Patients with renal impairment:
Specific guidelines are not available. The manufacturer warns to use with caution in patients with renal disease.

[ Last revised: 4/11/2004 10:43:00 AM ]

References
_{. Fick DM, Cooper JW, Wade WE, et al. Updating the Beers criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults: results of a US consensus panel of experts. Arch Intern Med 2003;163:2716 - 24.}

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