Dicycloverine Hydrochloride

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Generic Name of Dicycloverine Hydrochloride - Learn More

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Precaution - What You Need to Know

Dicycloverine hydrochloride, commonly used as an antispasmodic, is primarily indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract spasm. Caution is necessary when using this medication in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal obstruction, as it may worsen the condition. Patients with glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma, should also avoid this drug as it can increase intraocular pressure. Those with myasthenia gravis should use dicycloverine cautiously, as it can exacerbate muscle weakness.

Dicycloverine should be used with care in individuals with hepatic or renal dysfunction, as its metabolism and excretion may be impaired, potentially leading to higher drug concentrations in the body. In such cases, lower doses may be recommended to avoid toxicity. This drug can also cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, so patients should be advised to avoid activities that require full attention, such as driving or operating machinery.

During pregnancy, dicycloverine is classified as a category C drug, meaning that its safety during pregnancy has not been well-established, and it should be used only if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is generally avoided in breastfeeding as well, due to the potential for side effects in infants.

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Indication - Uses and Benefits

Dicycloverine hydrochloride is primarily used to relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. It works by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine on smooth muscle, helping to relax muscles and reduce spasms. This makes it effective in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional gastrointestinal disorders, and other conditions associated with spasms in the intestines, bladder, or bile ducts.

Dicycloverine is also used in treating colicky pain, such as that seen in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal colic. It is effective in alleviating discomfort caused by smooth muscle spasms, reducing symptoms like cramping, bloating, and pain. Additionally, it can be used in patients with dysmenorrhea to reduce the discomfort caused by uterine spasms.

Off-label, dicycloverine may also be used to manage other smooth muscle spasms, but its use in these cases should be closely monitored by healthcare providers.

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Contraindications - Important Warnings

Dicycloverine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. Additionally, it should not be used in patients with a history of severe gastrointestinal conditions like pyloric stenosis or intestinal obstruction, as it can worsen these conditions by relaxing the smooth muscles too much.

In patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, dicycloverine can increase intraocular pressure, potentially leading to a glaucomatous crisis, and is contraindicated. It should also be avoided in individuals with myasthenia gravis, as it may exacerbate muscle weakness due to its anticholinergic effects.

Dicycloverine is contraindicated in neonates or infants, especially in those under 6 months of age, due to the increased risk of side effects such as respiratory depression, central nervous system depression, or anticholinergic toxicity.

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Side Effects - What to Expect

The side effects of dicycloverine hydrochloride are primarily related to its anticholinergic properties, which can lead to a variety of symptoms. Common side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, and drowsiness. These effects are typically mild and may subside as the body adjusts to the medication.

More serious, though less common, side effects include urinary retention, constipation, tachycardia, and confusion, especially in older adults. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions may experience palpitations or an elevated heart rate. In some individuals, dicycloverine may lead to memory disturbances, particularly in those with underlying cognitive impairment.

Severe allergic reactions are rare but may include swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, and hives. In such cases, the medication should be discontinued immediately, and emergency medical attention should be sought.

To mitigate side effects, patients should be instructed to take dicycloverine exactly as prescribed, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if drowsiness occurs, and drink plenty of fluids to help alleviate dry mouth.

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

2

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Mode of Action - How It Works

Dicycloverine hydrochloride exerts its effects as a smooth muscle relaxant by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle cells. Acetylcholine normally binds to these receptors, leading to muscle contraction. By blocking this process, dicycloverine reduces involuntary muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, thus providing relief from spasms and colicky pain.

It is classified as an anticholinergic (or antimuscarinic) drug, specifically targeting the M3 muscarinic receptors involved in the contraction of smooth muscles. By selectively blocking these receptors, dicycloverine allows for muscle relaxation, reducing symptoms like cramping, bloating, and discomfort.

In addition to its antispasmodic action, dicycloverine also has a mild sedative effect, which can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with these conditions, though this is not its primary mode of action.

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Dicycloverine hydrochloride can interact with other medications, leading to potential complications or altered therapeutic effects. When used in combination with other anticholinergic agents, such as antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, or antiparkinsonian drugs, the anticholinergic effects may be enhanced, increasing the risk of side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, or confusion.

Additionally, dicycloverine can interact with central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol, increasing the sedative effects and leading to enhanced drowsiness or dizziness. Caution is advised when combining these medications, and patients should be monitored for excessive sedation.

Concurrent use of dicycloverine with other drugs that affect gastric motility, such as prokinetic agents, may reduce the effectiveness of dicycloverine. This is because dicycloverine’s primary mechanism of action—reducing smooth muscle contraction—can counteract the effects of prokinetic drugs, which work by promoting gastric motility.

Patients taking dicycloverine should also avoid excessive use of alcohol or recreational drugs that depress the central nervous system, as the interaction could lead to severe sedation, respiratory depression, or confusion.

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

For adults, the standard oral dose of dicycloverine hydrochloride is typically 10-20 mg, taken three to four times daily. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg per day. The medication is generally prescribed for short-term use in managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal spasms.

Dicycloverine is usually administered in tablet or syrup form. If symptoms persist or worsen, the healthcare provider may reassess the treatment regimen or consider alternate therapies.

It is important for patients to take dicycloverine on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes before meals, to improve absorption. For patients experiencing drowsiness, the dosage may be reduced, and they should avoid performing tasks requiring mental alertness.

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Child Dose - Dosage for Children

The use of dicycloverine in children should be approached with caution, especially in infants and young children under 6 months of age, as they are more susceptible to the anticholinergic effects, which can lead to life-threatening side effects like respiratory depression and central nervous system depression.

For children over 6 months of age, the typical dose is 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg of body weight, administered three to four times daily. The dose should not exceed 40 mg per day. Close monitoring is required to ensure safety, and it should be used only under the supervision of a pediatrician.

In pediatric patients with any underlying conditions such as respiratory problems or neurological disorders, dicycloverine should be used cautiously, and alternative treatments should be considered if appropriate.

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

In patients with renal impairment, dose adjustments of dicycloverine are generally not required, as the drug is primarily metabolized by the liver. However, since dicycloverine can have sedative effects, individuals with severe renal dysfunction may be more sensitive to the drug's effects and should be monitored for potential side effects, especially drowsiness and confusion.

In cases of moderate to severe renal impairment, starting with a lower dose may be beneficial, and careful monitoring is recommended to avoid excessive sedation or other anticholinergic effects.