Uses
Bentyl is used for the treatment of functional bowel and irritable bowel syndromes. It soothes cramps and spasms of the bladder, stomach, and intestines.

How to take Bentyl
Bentyl is available in 10mg capsules, 20mg tablets, and 10mg/5mL liquid concentrate. Users should follow their doctor's directions carefully as to the intake of the drug. The normal dose for adults is 80mg a day, divided in four equal doses, which is increased to 160mg after the first week, depending on the patient's response to the initial prescription. If no positive reaction is observed after two weeks of use, intake should be discontinued.

Side effects
The following adverse effects may be experienced: irritability, confusion, restlessness, memory loss, nervousness, constipation, heightened excitability, difficulty in urinating, dryness of the skin, mouth, throat and nose, and drowsiness; hallucinations and unusual behavior; a quick, pounding, or irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite, blurred vision; slight itching and rashes on the skin; and a dry mouth and stuffy nose.

Drug precautions
Women who are planning on conceiving should consult a doctor before taking on Bentyl as treatment. Those who are planning on discontinuing medication should do likewise; the physician may require them to gradually decrease the amount of intake before stopping. Abrupt stopping can cause withdrawal effects such as dizziness, vomiting, and sweating. Users should avoid dehydration or being overheated when exercising in hot weather. Decreased sweating may lead to a heat stroke in hot environments.

Drug interactions
Drugs which may interact with Bentyl include amantadine, steroids, quinidine, narcotic medicine for pain, digoxin, and cold and allergy medication; phenothiazines, including thioridazine, chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, and mesoridazine; sedatives; MAO inhibitors, including tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, phenelzine, and rasagiline; diet or caffeine pills, and other stimulants; and antidepressants.

Overdose
In such cases, immediate medical help is advised. Indications of an overdose include difficulty in swallowing, nausea, dryness in the mouth, dilated pupils, dizziness, light-headedness, tremors, and a hot, dry skin.

Missed dose
Take a missed dose as soon as possible, on the condition that the next intake is not due for some time. Otherwise, skip the missed intake, and take the next one according to the regular schedule. Avoid taking extra doses of the drug to make up for a missed dose.

Storage
Store Bentyl within room temperatures of 15 to 30°C, away from extreme heat, moisture and light.