Drug class
"An antispasmodic and anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent" with a dual mechanism: anticholinergic blockade at acetylcholine receptors plus a direct, nonspecific relaxant effect on gastrointestinal smooth muscle.
Uses
Indicated for the treatment of patients with functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome.
Warnings
No boxed warning. Contraindicated in infants less than 6 months of age, nursing mothers, patients with glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, obstructive uropathy, severe ulcerative colitis, and those with "unstable cardiovascular status in acute hemorrhage." Key precautions include heat prostration risk from "fever and heat stroke due to decreased sweating," and CNS effects, noting "psychosis and delirium have been reported in sensitive individuals"; elderly patients require cautious use due to heightened susceptibility to anticholinergic effects.
Side effects
Most common reactions (>5%) are dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, somnolence, asthenia, and nervousness. Other reported effects include mydriasis, constipation, urinary retention, palpitations, and, less commonly, hallucinations and other serious cardiovascular or CNS symptoms.
