An antispasmodic for gut cramps
Dicycloverine
An antimuscarinic antispasmodic that relaxes gut muscle to relieve cramping pain in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
What is Dicycloverine?
Dicycloverine is an antispasmodic used for cramping tummy pain, including in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It relaxes the muscle in the gut wall and also has a mild antimuscarinic (drying) action. Because of this it can cause effects such as a dry mouth, and it is not given to babies.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Dicycloverine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Dicycloverine is an antispasmodic medicine used to relieve cramping pain caused by spasm in the gut, including in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As well as relaxing gut muscle directly, it has a mild antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) action. It has been used in the UK for many years and is available on prescription.
How it works
Dicycloverine relaxes the smooth muscle in the wall of the bowel, settling the painful spasm that causes cramping. It also blocks a small amount of the nerve signalling (the muscarinic, or antimuscarinic, pathway) that drives gut muscle activity. This combined action eases cramps, though the antimuscarinic part is also responsible for some of its side effects.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: A long-established antispasmodic.
An antimuscarinic antispasmodic used for many years to relieve gut spasm and IBS-type cramping.
What it treats
Conditions Dicycloverine is used for
Practical use
How to take Dicycloverine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is usually taken before meals, when gut cramping often comes on.
- Swallow tablets with water, or take the liquid as directed if that form is prescribed.
- Take it regularly during a flare rather than only occasionally for the best effect.
- Be cautious with activities such as driving if it makes you drowsy or your vision blurs.
- If you miss a dose, take it before your next meal as usual and do not double up.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Dicycloverine
Advantages
- Relaxes gut muscle and can ease stubborn cramping spasm.
- Available as both a tablet and a liquid, which suits different people.
- Long-established with well-understood effects.
Disadvantages
- Its antimuscarinic action can cause dry mouth, blurred vision or constipation.
- Not suitable for babies and used with care in older people.
- Eases spasm but does not cure the underlying gut condition.
Practical use
Good to know
Dicycloverine is often taken before meals, when gut cramping tends to be triggered. Because it has a mild antimuscarinic action, it can cause dry mouth, blurred vision or constipation, especially in older people. It is not suitable for babies and should not be used in very young infants. As with any antispasmodic, it is meant to ease cramping spasm rather than cure the underlying problem, and you should see your GP if you have alarm symptoms such as bleeding, weight loss or a marked change in bowel habit.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Babies and very young infants should not be given dicycloverine.
- People with conditions worsened by antimuscarinics, such as glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or urinary retention, or certain bowel obstructions.
- It should not be used while breastfeeding, and is used with caution in pregnancy and in older people; discuss with your prescriber.
Monitoring
- Whether cramping pain improves and side effects such as dry mouth or blurred vision.
- Particular care for antimuscarinic effects in older people.
- Any alarm symptoms such as bleeding, weight loss or a change in bowel habit.
Side effects
- Antimuscarinic effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and difficulty passing urine.
- Dizziness or drowsiness, which can affect driving and concentration.
- Rarely, a fast heartbeat or an allergic reaction — seek help if this happens.
Key interactions
- Effects add up with other antimuscarinic medicines, such as some bladder, Parkinson's and older allergy treatments.
- Extra drowsiness is possible with alcohol or sedating medicines.
- Tell your pharmacist about everything you take, including over-the-counter and herbal products.
Available as: Tablets and a liquid; also combined with other ingredients in some products.
Answers
Dicycloverine: frequently asked questions
How is dicycloverine different from mebeverine?
Both relax gut muscle, but dicycloverine also has a mild antimuscarinic (drying) action. This means it can cause effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision that mebeverine usually does not.
Can children take it?
It is not given to babies or very young infants. A doctor will decide whether it is suitable for an older child.
Will it make me drowsy?
It can cause drowsiness or blurred vision in some people. Be careful with driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
When should I take it?
It is usually taken before meals, as eating can trigger cramping. Follow the directions on your prescription.
Does it cure IBS?
No. It eases cramping spasm but does not cure the underlying condition, and works best alongside diet and lifestyle measures.
The wider class
About Antispasmodics
Dicycloverine belongs to the antispasmodics class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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