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Usage: Bentyl relieves spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) by blocking the actions of spasm-causing chemicals in the body. Bentyl is used to treat functional bowel or irritable bowel syndrome.
Directions: Take Bentyl exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Side Effects: If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Bentyl and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) or an irregular or fast heart rate. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Bentyl and talk to your doctor if you experience headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness, weakness or nervousness, blurred vision, large pupils, rash or itching, difficulty urinating, decreased sweating or nasal congestion, stuffiness, or a dry mouth.
Precautions: Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Bentyl may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Bentyl. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Bentyl increases the risk of heat stroke because it decreases sweating.
Drug Interactions: Many other drugs may increase the side effects of Bentyl. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: amantadine (Symmetrel); quinidine (Quinaglute, Cardioquin, Quinora, Quinidex); antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, many others), brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromfed, many others), triprolidine (Actifed, others), and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, others), which are found in many over-the-counter and prescription cough, cold, and allergy medications; decongestants and appetite suppressants such as phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, others), phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, others), and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), which are also found in many over-the-counter and prescription products; phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and prochlorperazine (Compazine); other commonly used phenothiazines, including fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and promazine (Sparine); benzodiazepines (sleep and anxiety medications) such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium); other commonly used benzodiazepines, including chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), clonazepam (Klonopin), estazolam (Prosom), flurazepam (Dalmane), halazepam (Paxipam), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), quazepam (Doral), temazepam (Restoril), and triazolam (Halcion); monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and phenelzine (Nardil); narcotic analgesics such as codeine (Tylenol #3, and many other prescription pain relievers), morphine (MS Contin, Roxanol, Astramorph, Duramorph), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and propoxyphene (Darvocet, Darvon, Wygesic); nitrates such as isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil, Sorbitrate) and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO); tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor); or other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants, including: amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil). Bentyl may increase the level of digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps) in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are taking digoxin so that your digoxin levels can be monitored and changes in your dosage can be made if necessary. Do not take antacids at the same time as Bentyl. They may decrease its absorption.
If You Take Too Much: Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Bentyl overdose include headache; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; difficulty swallowing; blurred vision; dilated pupils; hot, dry skin; dizziness; drowsiness; confusion; anxiety; seizures; weak pulse; and an irregular heartbeat.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Storage: Store Bentyl at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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