About this episode

This episode reviews the use of dicyclomine and hyoscyamine for treating abdominal cramping and intestinal spasms, discussing their mechanisms, clinical uses, and adverse effects.

Abdominal cramping and intestinal spasms are common complaints in patients with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Two of the most frequently prescribed medications for these symptoms are dicyclomine and hyoscyamine. These medications work by blocking muscarinic receptors, reducing smooth muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract and helping relieve painful spasms. While these medications can be effective, they are not without risks. Because of their anticholinergic effects, patients may experience dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, and urinary retention. Older adults are particularly susceptible to these adverse effects, making careful patient selection and monitoring especially important. Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), glaucoma, or cognitive impairment may be at higher risk for complications. In this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we’ll review how dicyclomine and hyoscyamine work, discuss their most common clinical uses, compare their adverse effect profiles, and highlight practical education points to help optimize safe and effective use. Huge thank you to our sponsor – Mechanism of Action…

People in this episode

Host: Eric Christianson

Topics covered

• GI Antispasmodics
• dicyclomine
• hyoscyamine
• irritable bowel syndrome
• adverse effects
• patient monitoring

Keywords

• GI Antispasmodics
• dicyclomine
• hyoscyamine
• irritable bowel syndrome
• anticholinergic effects
• patient safety

Sponsors

Mechanism of Action Podcast

Mentioned in this episode

Products: dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

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