Comprehensive medication guide to Dicyclomine including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$10 copay for generic dicyclomine on most commercial plans; typically Tier 1–2 on formularies. Medicare Part D covers dicyclomine at low tiers. Medicaid covers it in all states at $0–$3. Prior authorization is rarely required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Approximately $15–$22 retail for a standard fill of dicyclomine 20 mg tablets without insurance; as low as $3.27 with a GoodRx coupon or $2.85 with SingleCare for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
88/100
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Dicyclomine (also known as dicycloverine) is a prescription anticholinergic antispasmodic medication approved by the FDA in 1950 for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Bentyl, though Bentyl's oral tablet, capsule, and liquid forms have been discontinued — only the generic version is available for oral use today.
In 2023, dicyclomine was the 192nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions filled. It is available as 10 mg capsules, 20 mg and 40 mg tablets, a 10 mg/5 mL oral syrup, and a 10 mg/mL intramuscular injection. Dicyclomine is not a controlled substance and can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber, including via telehealth.
The standard starting dose is 20 mg taken four times daily (80 mg/day), which may be increased after one week to 40 mg four times daily (160 mg/day) if needed and tolerated. The medication is typically evaluated for effectiveness after two weeks of use.
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Dicyclomine works through two complementary mechanisms to relieve the abdominal cramping of IBS. First, it acts as an anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent — it blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors on the smooth muscle cells lining the intestinal wall. Acetylcholine is the chemical signal that tells muscles to contract; by blocking its receptors, dicyclomine reduces the frequency and intensity of intestinal spasms.
Second, dicyclomine has a direct smooth muscle relaxant effect that is independent of the nerve signaling pathway. This dual mechanism makes it effective at reducing gut spasms through more than one pathway, which may account for some of its clinical utility compared to purely anticholinergic agents.
Because muscarinic receptors are found throughout the body — not just the gut — dicyclomine also affects salivary glands (causing dry mouth), sweat glands (reducing sweating), eye muscles (causing blurred vision), the bladder, and the heart. This explains the predictable anticholinergic side effect profile associated with the medication.
10 mg — capsule
Starting or lower-dose option; less commonly stocked than 20 mg tablet
20 mg — tablet
Standard starting dose; most widely available form at pharmacies
40 mg — tablet
Full maintenance dose tablet; less commonly stocked, may require special order
10 mg/5 mL — oral syrup
For patients with swallowing difficulty; may require special ordering
10 mg/mL — injection (IM)
Intramuscular injection for short-term inpatient use when oral administration not possible; Bentyl brand + generic
Dicyclomine is not on the FDA's drug shortage list as of 2026. It is a well-established generic manufactured by multiple companies, which supports supply stability. Overall availability is high — particularly for the 20 mg tablet, which is the most widely stocked form at major chain and grocery pharmacies.
Some localized stockout situations do occur, particularly for the 40 mg tablet and the oral syrup, which are less commonly stocked at smaller or independent pharmacies. If your usual pharmacy is out of stock, chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart tend to carry the 20 mg tablet more reliably. You can also ask your pharmacy to place a special order, which typically arrives within 1–2 business days.
If you're having trouble locating dicyclomine at your local pharmacy, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to find which ones have your exact dosage in stock and text you the results, saving you time and repeated phone calls.
Dicyclomine is not a controlled substance, which means it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber without a DEA number or special registration. It does not require prior authorization from most insurance plans and is accessible through a wide range of healthcare providers.
Gastroenterologists (GI specialists) — most common prescribers for diagnosed IBS
Primary care physicians (PCPs) — family medicine and internal medicine providers frequently prescribe dicyclomine for IBS
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — can prescribe in all 50 states
Internists and general practitioners
Telehealth prescribing is fully available for dicyclomine — no in-person visit is required. Platforms such as Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, and specialized GI telehealth services can evaluate IBS symptoms and prescribe dicyclomine during a virtual visit, often the same day. Patients in any state can access telehealth prescribers without visiting an office.
No. Dicyclomine is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It is a prescription-only medication, but it is not classified under any DEA schedule (I through V). While rare cases of abuse for anticholinergic effects have been reported, it is not considered a drug with significant abuse potential.
Because dicyclomine is not a controlled substance, there are no special prescribing restrictions. Any licensed prescriber — including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — can prescribe it without a DEA registration number. It can also be prescribed via telehealth in any state without the in-person visit requirements that apply to Schedule II–V controlled substances. Refills are permitted and there are no mandatory prescription limits.
The most common side effects of dicyclomine (reported by more than 5% of patients in clinical trials) include:
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Nausea
Drowsiness (somnolence)
Weakness (asthenia)
Nervousness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations/arrhythmia)
Confusion, hallucinations, agitation (anticholinergic psychosis)
Heat stroke (fever, hot dry skin, no sweating) — risk increases in hot environments
Inability to urinate (urinary retention)
Severe allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling)
Worsening abdominal symptoms (possible paralytic ileus at high doses)
Contraindications: Do not use dicyclomine if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, obstructive uropathy, severe ulcerative colitis, reflux esophagitis, or GI obstruction. Absolutely contraindicated in infants under 6 months old and in breastfeeding women.
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Hyoscyamine (Levsin)
Most direct alternative — same anticholinergic drug class, faster onset (30–60 min), available sublingual. Not a controlled substance.
Linaclotide (Linzess)
For IBS with constipation (IBS-C). Different mechanism (GC-C agonist). Not an antispasmodic; targets constipation-predominant symptoms.
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Low-dose tricyclic antidepressant used off-label for chronic IBS pain. Not an acute antispasmodic; taken nightly for visceral hypersensitivity.
Peppermint Oil (enteric-coated)
OTC antispasmodic for mild IBS symptoms. Calcium channel-based smooth muscle relaxation. Suitable for mild-moderate symptoms without a prescription.
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Pramlintide (Symlin)
majorContraindicated — synergistic inhibition of GI motility; risk of paralytic ileus.
Other anticholinergics (diphenhydramine, oxybutynin, TCAs, antipsychotics)
majorAdditive anticholinergic effects — dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, confusion, tachycardia all increase in severity.
Glucagon
majorAdditive inhibition of GI motility. Avoid combination.
Antiglaucoma medications
majorDicyclomine increases intraocular pressure and antagonizes glaucoma medications. Contraindicated in glaucoma.
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
moderatePharmacodynamic antagonism — these drugs have opposing effects on GI motility and reduce each other's effectiveness.
Antacids
moderateAntacids reduce absorption of dicyclomine. Take 2 hours apart.
Digoxin (slow-dissolving formulations)
moderateSlowed GI transit may increase digoxin absorption, raising digoxin levels and toxicity risk.
Opioids
moderateAdditive CNS depression and GI motility reduction. Increases constipation risk.
Alcohol
moderateAdditive CNS depression — significantly increases dizziness and drowsiness.
Dicyclomine is one of the most well-established and affordable IBS medications available. As a generic drug with over 70 years of clinical use, it offers a reliable, low-cost option for patients with functional bowel syndrome who experience cramping and abdominal spasms. It is not a controlled substance, is covered by most insurance plans at low copays, and is available at virtually every major pharmacy in the United States.
While individual pharmacies may occasionally be out of stock of certain dosage forms (particularly the 40 mg tablet and syrup), there is no national shortage. Most patients can find the 20 mg tablet without difficulty at chain pharmacies. Those who need help locating their exact dose can use a pharmacy locating service to simplify the search.
If you're struggling to find dicyclomine at your local pharmacy, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check availability and texts you the results — saving you time and the frustration of multiple phone calls.
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