Glycopyrrolate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 6, 2024.

Applies to glycopyrrolate: oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.

Other dosage forms:

• inhalation solution
• solution

Serious side effects of glycopyrrolate

Along with its needed effects, glycopyrrolate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking glycopyrrolate:

More common

• body aches or pain
• chills
• constipation
• cough
• decrease in the frequency of urination
• decrease in urine volume
• difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
• difficulty with breathing
• ear congestion
• feeling of warmth
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• painful urination
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• chest pain or tightness
• confusion
• dizziness
• dry heaves
• dry mouth
• fainting
• increase in heart rate
• lightheadedness
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• rapid breathing
• stomach pain or discomfort
• stuffy nose
• sunken eyes
• thirst
• trouble breathing
• vomiting
• wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

• change in taste
• difficulty swallowing
• fast heartbeat
• hives, itching, skin rash
• loss of taste
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking glycopyrrolate:

• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• muscle weakness
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of glycopyrrolate

Some side effects of glycopyrrolate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• altered mood
• anxiety
• attack, assault, or force
• bloated
• chapped lips
• crying
• dry skin
• dry tongue
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• full feeling
• hyperventilation
• irregular heartbeats
• irritability
• moaning
• nervousness
• pain
• paleness of the skin
• passing gas
• rash
• restlessness
• shaking
• trouble with sleeping
• uncontrolled eye movements

Incidence not known

• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• inability to have or keep an erection
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

For healthcare professionals

Applies to glycopyrrolate: compounding powder, inhalation capsule, inhalation solution, injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (40%), vomiting (40%), constipation (35%)
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal distension, abdominal pain, stomach discomfort, chapped lips, flatulence, retching, dry tongue^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Flushing (30%)
• Frequency not reported: Heart rate increase, pallor^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (15%)
• Frequency not reported: Convulsion, dysgeusia, nystagmus
• Postmarketing reports: Loss of taste^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary retention (15%)
• Postmarketing reports: Suppression of lactation^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Sinusitis (15%), upper respiratory tract infection (15%)
• Frequency not reported: Pneumonia, tracheostomy infection, urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasal congestion (30%)
• Frequency not reported: Increased viscosity of bronchial secretion, nasal dryness^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Irritability, agitation, restlessness, abnormal behavior, aggression, crying, impulse control disorder, moaning, mood altered^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Dry skin, pruritus, rash^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Dehydration^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Pain^[Ref]

Further information

Glycopyrrolate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer