See information below on IBS and this treatment. To create a Treatment Checklist, go to the bottom of the screen and enter your information in the four sections: 1) past or present use, 2) frequency and duration, 3) did this treatment work?, and 4) significant side effects. To see the next treatment either click on the treatment list at the bottom of the screen or click ‘Save and Continue to Next Treatment.’ Click ‘Submit (Done)’ to generate a list to print or email, to discuss with your physician.

Antispasmodics - Dicyclomine (Bentyl) and Hyoscyamine (Levsin)

How it works:
They work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the colon, which reduces spastic contractions.
Which symptoms it helps:
Belly pain.
How long it takes to see a benefit:
Within 1 day.
Who may benefit:
All IBS subgroups.
FDA approved:
N/A
Dosage:
Dicyclomine – 20 mg; hyoscyamine regular release – 0.125 mg to 0.25 mg; hyoscyamine extended release – 0.375 mg to 0.75 mg
Special considerations or risks:
Cannot be given to those who have a bowel blockage.
Most common side effects:
Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, and dry mouth.

Recommendation:
While ACG suggests that antispasmodics (e.g., hyoscine, dicyclomine) may not be helpful for overall IBS symptoms, their use, in the short term, may help relieve abdominal pain.

Recommendation:
WEAK
Quality of Evidence:
VERY LOW
Level of Evidence:
√-
Past and Present Use Frequency and Duration Did this treatment work? Significant Side Effects
Past Use   Present Use   Yes   No   N/A