Pharmacology · Antimuscarinics (anticholinergics)
Dicycloverine !
An oral antispasmodic for the cramping pain of irritable bowel syndrome. It blocks muscarinic receptors and relaxes gut muscle directly.
Updated 2026-11-01
Also called: Dicyclomine
No structure of dicycloverine bound to a muscarinic receptor exists. The figure shows atropine in the acetylcholine (orthosteric) pocket of the human M1 muscarinic receptor, the same pocket that dicycloverine blocks.
Mechanism of action
Dicycloverine relieves spasm of intestinal smooth muscle in two ways: it blocks muscarinic receptors (weaker than atropine) and it relaxes the muscle directly, independent of acetylcholine. It is a tertiary amine, so it can reach the brain and cause dizziness, drowsiness and, in sensitive people, confusion.
- Blocks muscarinic receptors on gut smooth muscle
- Also relaxes the muscle directly
- Bowel spasm and cramps ease
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Rapidly absorbed by mouth, peaking within about 60 to 90 minutes
- Distribution
- Widely distributed into tissues
- Elimination
- Mainly in the urine
- Half-life
- About 1.8 hours in one study, with a longer secondary phase
Indications
- Functional bowel / irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome →
Adverse effects
Common
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Nausea, weakness and nervousness
Contraindications
- Infants under 6 months and breastfeeding mothers
- Glaucoma
- Obstructive uropathy and obstruction of the gut
- Severe ulcerative colitis and reflux oesophagitis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Unstable cardiovascular status in acute bleeding
Key interactions
- Other drugs with anticholinergic effects (tricyclics, antihistamines, phenothiazines, amantadine)
- Additive side effects
- Antacids
- May reduce its absorption; taken apart
- Slowly dissolving digoxin tablets
- Higher digoxin levels
- Metoclopramide
- Opposite effects on gut motility
What is monitored
- Mental status in older adults
- Bowel function: new diarrhoea in a person with a stoma may mean partial obstruction
- Urine output in men with prostate enlargement
Administration and safety
- Taken by mouth; stopped if there is no benefit within the first couple of weeks
- Avoided in hot environments where sweating is needed
Nursing care
- Warn about drowsiness and blurred vision when driving
- Teach to avoid overheating
- Ask about breastfeeding and keep it away from infants
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Epidemiological studies have not shown more malformations; it is contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What are the two ways dicycloverine relaxes gut muscle?
Muscarinic receptor block and a direct relaxant effect on smooth muscle.
Why is it contraindicated in infants under 6 months?
Serious breathing problems, seizures and collapse have been reported in infants.
Which neuromuscular disease is a contraindication?
Myasthenia gravis.
Related drugs
Related conditions
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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: DailyMed - DICYCLOMINE HYDROCHLORIDE capsule (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Dicyclomine: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.