R R

What Is Bentyl?

Bentyl is a prescription medicine containing dicyclomine hydrochloride, an antispasmodic and anticholinergic medicine. It is approved for functional bowel and irritable bowel syndrome. Oral forms include 10 mg capsules and 20 mg tablets. Dosing is adjusted to the individual response, and treatment is stopped when adequate symptom control is not reached within the labeled trial period.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Bentyl?

Bentyl is a prescription medicine containing dicyclomine hydrochloride, an antispasmodic and anticholinergic medicine. It is approved for functional bowel and irritable bowel syndrome. Oral forms include 10 mg capsules and 20 mg tablets. Dosing is adjusted to the individual response, and treatment is stopped when adequate symptom control is not reached within the labeled trial period.

read more about bentyl ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

How Does Bentyl Relax Intestinal Smooth Muscle?

Dicyclomine reduces gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasm through two actions. It blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and also acts directly on smooth muscle. These actions reduce intestinal spasm, motility, and secretions. Anticholinergic activity also accounts for reactions such as dry mouth, blurred vision, reduced sweating, and faster heart rate.

Who Is Bentyl Prescribed For?

Bentyl is approved for patients with functional bowel and irritable bowel syndrome. Oral dosing guidance is written for adults. Dicyclomine is contraindicated in infants younger than 6 months and in nursing mothers. Other contraindications include glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, obstructive urinary or gastrointestinal disease, severe ulcerative colitis, reflux esophagitis, and unstable cardiovascular status during acute bleeding.

How Are Bentyl Tablets and Capsules Dosed?

Adults start with 20 mg four times daily. After one week, the dose can increase to 40 mg four times daily when adverse reactions do not limit the increase. Treatment is stopped when symptom control is not reached within two weeks or adverse reactions require doses below 80 mg per day.

What Safety Problems Need Attention With Bentyl?

Bentyl can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, sleepiness, constipation, urinary retention, reduced sweating, confusion, hallucinations, and faster heart rate. Severe anticholinergic reactions include heat stroke and paralytic ileus. Driving and hazardous work should be avoided until the individual effects are known.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bentyl

What condition does Bentyl treat?

Bentyl is approved for functional bowel and irritable bowel syndrome.

How often is Bentyl taken?

Adult oral treatment starts at 20 mg four times daily, with dose changes based on response and adverse reactions.

Can Bentyl cause drowsiness?

Yes. Dicyclomine can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, which can interfere with driving or hazardous work.

Can infants take Bentyl?

No. Dicyclomine is contraindicated in infants younger than 6 months.

References

BENTYL (dicyclomine hydrochloride) Capsules and Tablets Prescribing Information. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=aa8350bd-f832-4983-baed-2a6978819b49. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.

DailyMed - DICYCLOMINE HYDROCHLORIDE capsule and tablet. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bd2cba10-70ec-4d1f-b46c-53d1de2ee130. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.

Dicyclomine. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501454/. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.

Dicyclomine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684007.html. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534810/. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.