Anti-Spasmodic Drugs

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What should I know about Anti-spasmodic drugs?

Anti-spasmodic drugs relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder.
The antispasmodics drug, dicyclomine (Bentyl), is prescribed to treat a condition called irritable bowel syndrome. In some people, the main symptom is abdominal pain. In others, it is diarrhea or alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

What precautions do I need to take for Anti-spasmodic drugs?

Dicyclomine makes some people sweat less, which allows the body to overheat and may lead to heat prostration (fever and heat stroke). Anyone taking this drug should avoid extreme heat. If that is not possible, check with the physician who prescribed the drug. If heat prostration occurs, stop taking the medicine and call a physician immediately.

Dicyclomine should not be given to infants or children unless the physician decides the use of this drug is necessary. Diclyclomine should not be used by women who are breast feeding. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should check with their physicians before using this drug.

Anyone with the following medical conditions should not take dicyclomine unless directed to do so by a physician:

• Previous sensitivity or allergic reaction to dicyclomine
• Glaucoma
• Myasthenia gravis
• Blockage of the urinary tract, stomach, or intestines
• Severe ulcerative colitis

What are the likely side effects of Anti-spasmodic drugs?

The most common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, nervousness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and weakness. Other side effects may occur. Anyone who has unusual symptoms after taking dicyclomine should get in touch with his or her physician.

What are the likely drug interactions of Anti-spasmodic drugs?

Dicyclomine may interact with other medicines. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effects may be greater. Among the drugs that may interact with dicyclomine are:

• Antacids such as Maalox
• Antihistamines such as clemastine fumarate (Tavist)
• Bronchodilators (airway opening drugs) such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• Tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax).

The list above does not include every drug that may interact with dicyclomine. Be sure to check with a physician or pharmacist before combining dicyclomine with any other (over-the-counter) medicine.