Pharmacology Of Dicyclomine

Indication For the treatment of functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome including Colicky abdominal pain; diverticulitis
Pharmacodynamics Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic drug, a medication that reduces the effect of acetylcholine, a chemical released from nerves that stimulates muscles, by blocking the receptors for acetylcholine on smooth muscle (a type of muscle). It also has a direct relaxing effect on smooth muscle. Dicyclomine is used to treat or prevent spasm in the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract in the irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, Dicyclomine inhibits gastrointestinal propulsive motility and decreases gastric acid secretion and controls excessive pharyngeal, tracheal and bronchial secretions.
Mechanism of action Action is achieved via a dual mechanism: (1) a specific anticholinergic effect (antimuscarinic) at the acetylcholine-receptor sites and (2) a direct effect upon smooth muscle (musculotropic).
Absorption Not Available
Volume of distribution
  • 3.65 L/kg [20 mg oral dose]
Protein binding >99%
Metabolism Not Available
Route of elimination The principal route of elimination is via the urine (79.5% of the dose). Excretion also occurs in the feces, but to a lesser extent (8.4%).
Half life Not Available
Clearance Not Available
Toxicity Not Available

Comments