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DICYCLOMINE
Dicyclomine relieves smooth muscle spasm of the gastrointestinal tract via a dual mechanism: anticholinergic effects at acetylcholine receptors and direct smooth muscle relaxation.
Dicyclomine is a small molecule antispasmodic and anticholinergic agent used to treat functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It acts via a dual mechanism, blocking muscarinic receptors and directly relaxing smooth muscle. Approved by the FDA, it is effective in reducing IBS symptoms but has significant anticholinergic side effects. Dicyclomine is contraindicated in infants, nursing mothers, and patients with certain conditions like glaucoma and myasthenia gravis. Despite its side effects, it remains a valuable option for managing IBS.
At a glance
| Generic name | DICYCLOMINE |
|---|---|
| Also known as | dicycloverine |
| Drug class | Antispasmodic and anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent |
| Target | Muscarinic receptors |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1950 |
Mechanism of action
Dicyclomine works by blocking muscarinic receptors, which are involved in the contraction of smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. This action reduces muscle spasms and cramping, which are common symptoms in IBS. Additionally, dicyclomine can directly relax smooth muscle, further alleviating spasms. The drug's anticholinergic properties also reduce the production of digestive juices and slow down gut motility, which can help manage IBS symptoms.
Approved indications
- Functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome — any
Common side effects
- Dry Mouth
- Dizziness
- Vision Blurred
- Nausea
- Somnolence
- Asthenia
- Nervousness
Drug interactions
- Antiglaucoma agents
- Other drugs with anticholinergic activity
- Antacids
- Other gastrointestinal motility drugs
- Drugs affecting gastric acid secretion
Key clinical trials
- Effects of Pre-procedure and Intra-procedure Simethicone and Dicyclomine Administration in Improving Quality of Endoscopic Reterograde Cholangipancreaticography (ERCP) (PHASE4)
- Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Doxylamine+Pyridoxine and Diclectin Under Fed Conditions in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Therapeutic Implications of Acutaping on Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy (NA)
- Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Doxylamine + Pyridoxine, Film-coated, Enteric-soluble Tablets, and Diclectin, Delayed Release Tablets, in Healthy Volunteers (NA)
- Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Doxylamine/Pyridoxine for Moderate to Severe Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (PHASE3)
- The Efficacy Of Diclectin® For Nausea And Vomiting Of Pregnancy (PHASE3)
- A Multicenter Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Diclegis® for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy in Pregnant Adolescents (PHASE4)
- A Study to Investigate Differences in the Extent and Rate of Absorption of Doxylamine/Pyridoxine From 2 Different Products Under Fasting Conditions (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- DICYCLOMINE CI brief — competitive landscape report
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