Indications of Dicycloverine Hydrochloride:

• Functional bowel disorder / Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Urinary incontinence due to unstable detrusor muscle
• Infantile colic
• Gastrointestinal (GIT) spasm
• Colicky abdominal pain
• Diverticulitis
• Abdominal colic

Dicycloverine hydrochloride is an antispasmodic and anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent. Chemically, it is known as bicyclohexyl-1-carboxylic acid, 2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester hydrochloride. It helps relieve smooth muscle spasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The injectable form is a sterile, pyrogen-free aqueous solution designed for intramuscular use only (not for intravenous use). It acts on specific receptors called cholinergic (muscarinic) receptors, which are present in the involuntary muscles of the gut. By binding to these receptors, dicycloverine blocks certain natural chemicals in the body from acting on them. This leads to relaxation of the intestinal muscles and reduces colicky pain caused by muscle contraction and spasm.

For oral dosage forms: Adults:10 to 20 mg three times a day. Children over 6 months of age: 5 to 10 mg three times a day. For injectable dosage form: Adults: Intramuscular injection. Not for intravenous use. The recommended intramuscular dose is 80 mg daily (in 4 equally divided doses). Oral dicycloverine Hydrochloride should be started as soon as possible and the intramuscular form should not be used for periods longer than 1 or 2 days.

Children: Dose must be determined by the doctor.

Dicycloverine hydrochloride may cause several side effects due to its anticholinergic action. These include insomnia (difficulty sleeping), mydriasis (dilation of the pupils), and cycloplegia (loss of the eye’s ability to focus). It may also increase intraocular pressure, cause urinary hesitancy (difficulty in starting urination), palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat), and dyspnea (shortness of breath).

Dicycloverine hydrochloride is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies have shown that it is neither teratogenic nor embryocidal. However, like all medications, it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. There is no adequate data regarding its excretion into breast milk, so caution is advised when it is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Dicycloverine hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions because of its anticholinergic effects. Special care is needed in patients with autonomic neuropathy, hepatic or renal impairment, ulcerative colitis, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac tachyarrhythmias, hiatal hernia, and known or suspected prostatic hypertrophy.

Toxic reactions with dicycloverine are rare. However, in case of overdose, symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and dilated pupils. Other effects can be hot and dry skin, dizziness, dryness of the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, and central nervous system (CNS) stimulation.

Anticholinergics (antimuscarinics)/ Anti-spasmodics

Dicycloverine hydrochloride should be stored at a temperature below 30°C. It must be protected from light and moisture. The medicine should be kept out of the reach of children to avoid accidental use.