Dicyclomine%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520hydrochloride

## Dicyclomine Hydrochloride ### Overview Dicyclomine hydrochloride is an anticholinergic and antispasmodic medication used to relieve smooth muscle spasms, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. ### Primary Indications * Symptomatic relief of infantile colic. * Management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal spasms. ### Adult Dosing * **Oral:** 10 mg to 20 mg four times daily, before meals and at bedtime. Maximum dose is 80 mg daily. * **Intramuscular:** 10 mg to 20 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. ### Pediatric Dosing * **Oral:** 5 mg to 10 mg three to four times daily. Dosing is weight-based for infants: 5 mg three to four times daily for infants under 6 months. For infants 6 months and older, 10 mg three to four times daily. Maximum dose is 40 mg daily for children under 2 years. ### Dose Adjustments No specific dose adjustments are necessary for renal or hepatic impairment, but caution is advised due to potential accumulation and increased adverse effects. ### Contraindications * Hypersensitivity to dicyclomine. * Glaucoma (especially narrow-angle). * Obstructive uropathy. * Gastrointestinal obstruction. * Severe ulcerative colitis. * Myasthenia gravis. * Infants less than 6 months of age for oral administration due to risk of respiratory depression and apnea. ### Adverse Effects * **Common:** Dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, urinary retention. * **Serious:** Tachycardia, hypertension, confusion, hallucinations, respiratory depression, apnea. ### Key Drug Interactions * **Anticholinergic agents:** Additive anticholinergic effects (e.g., atropine, scopolamine, certain antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants). * **MAO inhibitors:** May potentiate effects. * **Amantadine:** Additive anticholinergic effects. ### Monitoring * Monitor for signs of anticholinergic toxicity (e.g., confusion, urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, tachycardia). * Monitor infants for respiratory distress. ### Clinical Pearls * Dicyclomine can mask symptoms of serious conditions like appendicitis. * Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of confusion and anticholinergic side effects. * The oral solution is specifically indicated for infantile colic, but its use in infants under 6 months is generally discouraged due to safety concerns. --- **Disclaimer:** This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always verify current prescribing information with the official product labeling and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about drug therapy.