Bentyl (Dicyclomine): What It Is and How It Works for IBS

Bentyl (dicyclomine) is an anticholinergic medication used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea. It works by relaxing the muscles of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, thereby reducing spasms and pain. Bentyl does not belong to the class of muscle relaxants typically used to treat muscle spasms or pain in other parts of the body.