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Antimuscarinic antispasmodic

Dicycloverine hydrochloride

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 antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) action and a direct relaxant effect, reducing painful gut spasm.

Prescribing in practice

  • As an antimuscarinic it is contraindicated or used cautiously in conditions such as paralytic ileus, gastrointestinal obstruction, urinary retention, prostatic enlargement and angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Antimuscarinic load means caution in older people who are more susceptible to confusion, constipation and urinary effects.
  • Anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation are common.

Monitoring

No specific monitoring is required; review symptom control and reconsider the diagnosis if abdominal symptoms change or alarm features appear.

Counselling the patient

  • Take to relieve abdominal cramps and spasm.
  • It may cause a dry mouth, blurred vision or constipation; tell your prescriber if these are troublesome.
  • Seek review if you develop difficulty passing urine.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE guidance on irritable bowel syndrome supports antispasmodics, including antimuscarinic agents, for relief of abdominal pain and spasm.

Reference: NICE NG61; BSG IBS guideline; 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.

Pathways