Medicine Information

dc-plus

Name: dc-plus
Brand: dc-plus
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

TabletDicyclomine HCl 20 mg + Paracetamol 500 mgAntispasmodic & AnalgesicATC: A03AD

Generic Name

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride + Paracetamol

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
dc plus 500 mg tablet	৳ 2.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

DC-Plus 500 mg Tablet is a combination medicine containing Dicyclomine Hydrochloride (an anticholinergic antispasmodic) and Paracetamol (an analgesic and antipyretic). It is used to relieve abdominal pain, cramps, and discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders.

Uses & Indications

Relief of functional bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Treatment of infant colic (not recommended for infants under 6 months)

Relief of abdominal pain and cramps associated with menstruation

Symptomatic relief of biliary or renal colic (adjunctive therapy)

Dosage

Adults

1 tablet (Dicyclomine HCl 20 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg) 2 to 3 times daily, or as directed by the physician.

Elderly

Dose adjustment may be necessary due to increased susceptibility to anticholinergic side effects; use with caution.

Renal_impairment

Caution is advised. Lower doses or extended dosing intervals may be required, especially for the paracetamol component, due to impaired excretion.

How to Take

DC-Plus 500 mg Tablet should be taken orally, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Mechanism of Action

Dicyclomine acts as an anticholinergic agent, relaxing the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and reducing spasms. Paracetamol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis primarily in the central nervous system, leading to analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Dicyclomine: 1-2 hours; Paracetamol: 30-60 minutes.

Excretion

Dicyclomine is primarily excreted in urine (75-80%) and feces (8-10%). Paracetamol and its metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine.

Half life

Dicyclomine: Approximately 1.8 hours; Paracetamol: 1 to 4 hours.

Absorption

Dicyclomine is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak plasma concentrations in 60-90 minutes. Paracetamol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the GI tract, with peak plasma levels typically within 30-60 minutes.

Metabolism

Dicyclomine is metabolized extensively in the liver. Paracetamol is primarily metabolized in the liver via glucuronidation and sulfation, with a small portion metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Dicyclomine, Paracetamol, or any component of the formulation
Glaucoma
Obstructive uropathy (e.g., prostatic hypertrophy)
Obstructive gastrointestinal disease
Severe ulcerative colitis
Reflux esophagitis
Myasthenia gravis
Infants less than 6 months of age
Breastfeeding mothers (due to dicyclomine excretion in milk)

Drug Interactions

Alcohol

Increased risk of hepatotoxicity with paracetamol when taken with alcohol.

Digoxin

May increase digoxin absorption due to decreased gastrointestinal motility.

Warfarin

Paracetamol may potentiate the effect of warfarin, increasing bleeding risk with prolonged high doses.

Cholestyramine

May reduce the absorption of paracetamol.

Anticholinergics

Increased risk of anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention).

Opioid Analgesics

May enhance constipating effects.

Metoclopramide/Domperidone

May increase the absorption of paracetamol.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Dicyclomine overdose symptoms include dry mouth, blurred vision, pupil dilation, tachycardia, urinary retention, headache, dizziness, and CNS stimulation. Paracetamol overdose can cause severe hepatotoxicity (liver damage), with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and eventually jaundice and liver failure. Seek immediate medical attention in case of suspected overdose.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Use only if clearly needed after consulting a physician. Dicyclomine is excreted in breast milk and is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers due to potential adverse effects on infants (e.g., respiratory distress). Paracetamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy and lactation at recommended doses, but caution is advised with combination products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 Tablets/strip100 Tablets/box (10 strips x 10 tablets)

Shelf Life

36 months from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Pharmacies nationwide

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA

Patent Status

Generic available

Clinical Trials

The combination of Dicyclomine and Paracetamol has been widely studied and is well-established for its indicated uses. Clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy in relieving abdominal spasms and pain.

Lab Monitoring

Liver function tests (especially with prolonged use or high doses of paracetamol)
Renal function tests (if renal impairment is suspected)

Doctor Notes

Counsel patients on potential anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation).
Emphasize not exceeding the maximum daily dose of paracetamol to prevent hepatotoxicity.
Caution in elderly patients and those with prostatic hypertrophy or glaucoma.

Patient Guidelines

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not exceed the recommended dose, especially for paracetamol, to avoid liver damage.
Report any severe or persistent side effects to your doctor immediately.
Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness or blurred vision.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.