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Antispasmodic (Anticholinergic)

Dicycloverine Hydrochloride (Dicyclomine)

Brand names: Merbentyl

Dicycloverine hydrochloride is an antimuscarinic antispasmodic used for the symptomatic relief of smooth muscle spasm in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle through both a direct (non-specific) relaxant action and antimuscarinic blockade of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors.

Prescribing in practice

  • Avoid in conditions worsened by antimuscarinic effects, including angle-closure glaucoma, significant gastrointestinal obstruction or atony, and prostatic enlargement with urinary retention.
  • It is not recommended for infants and should be used with caution in the elderly, who are more susceptible to antimuscarinic adverse effects.
  • Expect typical antimuscarinic effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation, and use cautiously in cardiovascular disease.

Monitoring

No specific routine monitoring is required; review symptom response and watch for troublesome antimuscarinic adverse effects.

Counselling the patient

  • It may cause a dry mouth, blurred vision or drowsiness.
  • Take care if driving until you know how it affects you.
  • Report difficulty passing urine or eye pain.

Evidence & guidelines

Its antispasmodic use in functional bowel disorders is long established and reflected in current prescribing references and the SPC.

Reference: NICE CG61 Irritable Bowel Syndrome; SPC Merbentyl; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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