(Only the injection is still used under the trade name Bentyl.)

This article describes the uses, dosage, risks, side effects, and interactions associated with taking Bentyl.

By doing so, drugs like Bentyl can relieve spasms in the gut and intestines.

A woman standing at a table with Bentyl (Dicyclomine) pills in her hand

Fiordaliso / Getty Images

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common bang out of functional bowel disorder.

While some drugs pose minimal risks, others can cause severe interactions and/or side effects when used together.

Dicyclomine should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Notify your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking dicyclomine.

Bentyl should not be taken while breastfeeding as the drug can be passed into breast milk.

Bentyl Dosage

Bentyl can be taken by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or syrup.

The Bentyl dose is measured in milligrams (mg).

A typical starting dose of the oral forms is 80 mg/day, divided equally into four doses.

If that is tolerated but not effective, the dosage may be increased to 160 mg/day.

The injection is given in doses of 10 mg or 20 mg four times per day.

Doing so can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of Bentyl.

Separate the doses by at least a couple of hours.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember.

If the next dose is soon, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.

Never double up doses as it can increase the risk or severity of side effects.

Some people have no side effects at all.

There are also certain drugs that can either lower or increase the concentration of Bentyl in the blood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it can.

Bentyl (dicyclomine) does not help with anxiety.

National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Label: Bentyl: dicyclomine hydrochloride injection, solution.

Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH).Summary of evidence.

National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Label: Dicyclomine: dicyclomine hydrochloride tablet.

Chiappini S, Mosca A, Miuli A, et al.Misuse of anticholinergic medications: a systematic review.Biomedicines.

2022;10(2):355. doi:10.3390/biomedicines10020355