Glycopyrrolate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2025.

Applies to glycopyrrolate: solution.

Other dosage forms:

• oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating
• inhalation 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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking glycopyrrolate:

Incidence not known

• bloated feeling
• blurred or double vision or other changes in vision
• change in near or distance vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• constipation
• cough
• difficulty in focusing eyes
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• high fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• irregular heartbeat
• recurrent lightheadedness
• nervousness
• pain or discomfort in the eye
• pounding in the ears
• pounding or rapid pulse
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rigid muscles
• seizures
• slow or fast heartbeat
• sweating
• tightness in the chest
• trouble in urinating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

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

Symptoms of overdose

• agitation
• anxiety
• irritability
• mood or other mental changes
• muscle weakness or paralysis
• nightmares
• restlessness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• tremor
• unusual feeling of excitement

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:

Incidence not known

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• decreased amount of breast milk
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• decreased sweating
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• inability to have or keep an erection
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• loss of taste
• mental excitement
• nausea
• sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

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

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer