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Glycopyrrolate

Generic name: glycopyrrolate (oral/injection) [ GLY-koe-PIE-roe-late ]
Brand names: Cuvposa, Dartisla ODT, Glycate, Glyrx-PF
Dosage forms: injectable solution (0.2 mg/mL; 0.2 mg/mL preservative-free), intravenous solution (0.2 mg/mL), ... show all 5 dosage forms
Drug classes: Anticholinergic bronchodilators, Anticholinergics / antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 26, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is glycopyrrolate?

Glycopyrrolate helps to control conditions such as peptic ulcers that involve excessive stomach acid production.

Glycopyrrolate is also used to reduce drooling in children ages 3 to 16 who have certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy.

Glycopyrrolate injection is also used during surgery to reduce secretions in your stomach or airway, and to help protect your heart and nervous system while you are under general anesthesia.

Glycopyrrolate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Glycopyrrolate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Glycopyrrolate may cause serious side effects. Stop using glycopyrrolate and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of glycopyrrolate may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use glycopyrrolate if you have urination problems, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, severe constipation, severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or active bleeding with heart and blood circulation problems.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use glycopyrrolate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known whether glycopyrrolate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using glycopyrrolate. Glycopyrrolate may slow breast milk production.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use glycopyrrolate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may need to take glycopyrrolate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Follow the instructions provided with your medicine.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow the tablet without water.

Glycopyrrolate doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Glycopyrrolate injection is given as an infusion into a vein or injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe muscle weakness, loss of movement, dilated pupils, jerky muscle movements, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while using glycopyrrolate?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how glycopyrrolate will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Glycopyrrolate can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

What other drugs will affect glycopyrrolate?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect glycopyrrolate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

famotidine, pantoprazole, lidocaine, Symbicort, fentanyl, Protonix, Pepcid, ketamine, Breo Ellipta, Ventolin

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.