Dicycloverine Hydrochloride: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride (also known by the synonym dicyclomine) is a synthetic anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) antispasmodic agent used to relieve smooth-muscle spasm of the gastrointestinal tract.

Established / FDA-approved use

• Functional bowel syndrome / Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Dicycloverine Hydrochloride is FDA-approved as adjunctive therapy for the symptomatic treatment of functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome in adults, to help relieve abdominal cramping and spasm.

Guideline-supported / adjunct uses

• Generalized gastrointestinal (GI) spasm and colicky abdominal pain, including spasm associated with diverticulitis, as an adjunct to other measures (diet, fiber, stress management).

Off-label / regionally-labeled use (use with caution)

• In some markets, including Bangladesh, Dicycloverine Hydrochloride is labeled for use in infantile colic in infants over 6 months of age and for urinary incontinence secondary to unstable detrusor (bladder) muscle. These uses are not FDA-approved indications, and Dicycloverine Hydrochloride carries a well-documented contraindication in infants under 6 months (see Contraindications). Use in infants and young children should only be under direct physician supervision.

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride is not a first-line or curative treatment for IBS; it manages symptoms and is typically used alongside dietary and lifestyle measures.

Adults — Irritable bowel syndrome / GI spasm (oral)

If symptoms are not controlled, or if side effects require doses below 80 mg/day, Dicycloverine Hydrochloride should be discontinued after about 2 weeks.

Adults — Intramuscular injection

Up to 80 mg/day in divided doses, by deep intramuscular injection only. Dicycloverine Hydrochloride injection must never be given intravenously, as this can cause thrombosis or thrombophlebitis at the injection site. Injection is generally used only briefly, with a switch to oral therapy as soon as feasible.

Children (regionally labeled use only, over 6 months of age)

Where locally labeled for infants/children over 6 months (e.g., for infantile colic), a low oral dose such as 5–10 mg 3 times daily has been used under direct physician supervision. Dicycloverine Hydrochloride is contraindicated under 6 months of age (see Contraindications) and safety/efficacy in the general pediatric population have not been established by regulatory authorities such as the FDA.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, resume the normal dosing schedule at the next scheduled time; do not double the dose.

Renal/hepatic impairment

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride is substantially excreted by the kidney; use with caution and at the lower end of the dosing range in renal impairment, as toxic effects may be more likely. Use with caution in hepatic impairment as well, since this has not been formally studied.

Side effects of Dicycloverine Hydrochloride are mainly anticholinergic in nature and are dose-related.

Common (may affect more than 1 in 20 people)

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Weakness (asthenia) and nervousness

Less common

• Constipation, bloating
• Urinary hesitancy or retention
• Palpitations, fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• Decreased sweating, insomnia
• Dilated pupils (mydriasis), increased eye pressure

Rare but serious

• Heat prostration (from decreased sweating in hot weather)
• Psychosis, delirium, or hallucinations (more common in elderly or sensitive individuals)
• Severe allergic/hypersensitivity reactions
• In infants (contraindicated use): serious breathing problems, seizures, and death — see Contraindications.

Report any severe or persistent side effect to a physician promptly.