Dicyclomine

Dicyclomine is used in the treatment of abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome (symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation). It helps to control sudden muscle contractions (spasms), thereby reduces abdominal cramps.

Dicyclomine is given by your doctor or nurse. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.

The most common side effects are dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, weakness and nervousness. Most of these are temporary and usually resolve with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about any of these side effects. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it can worsen your sleepiness. This medicine may also cause diarrhea, so its better to take plenty of fluids while taking this medicine as it may help to prevent dehydration.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine. Dicyclomine should be used with caution in patients with liver and kidney disease or alcohol abuse. It should not be used in infants less than six months of age.

• Abdominal pain
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Abdominal pain
Dicyclomine effectively relieves sudden muscle spasms or contractions in the stomach and intestine (gut), thereby relaxing the muscles and improving movement of food. This helps to treat abdominal pain (or stomach pain) as well as cramps, bloating and discomfort. Eventually, it will help you to go about your daily activities more easily and have a better, more active, quality of life.

Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease of the large intestine (colon) that usually needs long term management. This can lead to bleeding, frequent diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, cramps and stomach pain. Dicyclomine relaxes the muscles in your stomach and gut (intestine) and relieves these symptoms effectively. Usually, it is used along with other medicines for management of your condition.
Dicyclomine is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse and should not be self-administered. Take a fiber-rich diet, avoid oily or spicy food and drink plenty of fluids while taking it to make sure you stay hydrated.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Meftal-Spas

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Dryness in mouth
• Nervousness
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Psychosis
• Diarrhea
• Photophobia
• Dyspepsia
• Abdominal pain
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Confusion
• Hallucination
• Dry skin
• Reduced bronchial secretions

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic medication. It works by relaxing the muscles in the stomach and gut (intestine). It stops sudden muscle contractions (spasms), thereby relieving cramps, pain, bloating, and discomfort.

• Dicyclomine is given as an injection into muscles by your doctor only.
• It may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration.
• Dry mouth may occur as a side effect. Frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, increased water intake and sugarless candy may help.
• It may make you sweat less. Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat such as exercise.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Dicyclomine as it can cause excessive drowsiness and increase your risk of stomach problems.
• Inform your doctor if you experience severe or long-lasting pain in your stomach.

McQuaid KR. Drugs Used in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 1082.

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Dicyclomine. Birmingham, Alabama: Axcan Scandipharm Inc.; 2005. [Accessed 27 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:

Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Dicyclomine. [Updated 2018 Oct 31]. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from: