Glycopyrrolate
Molecule Description
Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic medicine which is used in conditions such
as peptic ulcers, drooling in children with disorders that affect muscle movement and co-ordination, and as pre-anesthetic medication.
Uses of Glycopyrrolate
- It is used for the treatment of peptic ulcers
- It is also used to treat drooling in children with disorders that affect muscle movement and co-ordination
- It can also be used as pre-anesthetic medication (Reduction of secretions in the body before surgery)
- Frey syndrome
Contraindications of Glycopyrrolate
When should one not use Glycopyrrolate
If you have an allergy to this medicine.
Side effects of Glycopyrrolate
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Dry eyes
- Decreased sweating
- Blurred vision
- Photophobia
- Flushing
- Increased heartbeat
- Itching, hives, rash
- Dizziness
- Excessive thirst
- Difficulty in urination
- Excessive crying in the child
Precautions and Warnings of Glycopyrrolate
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Glycopyrrolate during pregnancy?
A:
There are no adverse effects noted for using Glycopyrrolate during pregnancy. Still, you must inform your doctor as the safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Glycopyrrolate while breastfeeding?
A:
It is probably unsafe to take this medicine if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed because the safety of this medicine for use during breastfeeding has not been established.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Glycopyrrolate?
A:
This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred your vision. If you are affected, do not drive.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Glycopyrrolate?
A:
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with this medicine. It may lead to cause you more dizzy or drowsy.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (life threatening condition)
- Inform your concerned doctor immediately if you have conditions like rash or itching to skin, abnormal voice changes, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, or in case any swelling to your hands, face, or mouth while taking this medicine...
- Before surgery regarding all the products you use (including prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, and herbal products)
Mode of Action of Glycopyrrolate
How Does It Work?
Glycopyrrolate blocks the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. It prevents the action of acetylcholine on the structures innervated by postganglionic cholinergic nerves and smooth muscles. Which, in return, reduces the salivary, tracheobronchial, and pharyngeal secretions. It also decreases the acidity of gastric secretions, blocks cardiac vagal inhibitory reflexes during intubation....
Interactions of Glycopyrrolate
Interactions with other medicines
- Amantadine
- Pramlintide
- Atenolol
- Metformin
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole
- Digoxin
- Antispasmodics (Clidinium, Dicyclomine, Propantheline)
- Medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease (such as Levodopa, Benztropine, Trihexyphenidyl)
- Medicine used to treat irregular heart rhythms (such as Disopyramide, Quinidine)
- MAO inhibitors (Methylene blue, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Safinamide, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
- Phenothiazines (such as Chlorpromazine)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (such as Amitriptyline)
Interactions with food items
Take medicine on an empty stomach or at least 2-3 hours after meals as food reduces the effectiveness of this medicine. Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.
Dosage of Glycopyrrolate
Overdose
The symptoms of overdose can be - shallow breathing, feeling cold, muscle twitching, seizures, etc. These can be lethal and need immediate medical attention.
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for a missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Abhishek B L
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Glycopyrrolate?
- Inform the doctor about your detailed medical & surgical history
- Inform your physician if you have any of the following conditions -
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Stomach disorder, reflux disease, or slow digestion
- Thyroid disorder
- Myasthenia gravis
- High blood pressure
- Vision problems or glaucoma
- Bladder obstruction or other urination problems
- Bowel obstruction or severe constipation
- Also, share information on all the ongoing medications that you may be taking
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- Glycopyrrolate should be taken in the exact dose as advised by the physician
- The liquid medicine should be measured in a measuring device and then consumed
- It shouldn’t be taken on approximate measurements
- Shake the oral suspension before every use
- Take medicine on an empty stomach or at least 2-3 hours after meals
- Take glycopyrrolate with a full glass of water
- Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration
Q: Why these medicines cause dryness in mouth, eyes, and skin?
A: This medicine blocks the acetylcholine receptors and decreases the secretions in mouth, eyes, and skin, leading to dryness of mouth, eyes, and skin.
References
View All
- Webmd. Glycopyrrolate. [accessed on 05.Oct.2019] (Online)
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Glycopyrrolate. [Updated 2019 Oct 5].
- Medscape. Glycopyrrolate. [accessed on 05.Oct.2019] (Online)
- Mayoclinic. Glycopyrrolate. [accessed on 05.Oct.2019] (Online)
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