Glycopyrrolate

Glycopyrrolate helps manage conditions like peptic ulcers that cause too much stomach acid.

Glycopyrrolate is also used to decrease drooling in children ages 3 to 16 who have specific medical conditions, including cerebral palsy.

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

Glycopyrrolate may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

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

• a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
• a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus);
• severe constipation;
• severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon;
• glaucoma;
• myasthenia gravis; or
• active bleeding with fast heartbeats, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and cold hands or feet.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an enlarged prostate;
• liver or kidney disease;
• heart problems or a heart rhythm disorder;
• high blood pressure;
• a stomach disorder such as ulcerative colitis, hiatal hernia, reflux disease, or slow digestion;
• a colostomy or ileostomy;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• a nerve disorder.

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.

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

Glycopyrrolate can lead to serious side effects. Stop using glycopyrrolate and call your doctor right away if you experience:

• severe constipation, severe stomach pain, and bloating;
• diarrhea (especially if you have a colostomy or ileostomy);
• painful or difficult urination;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
• confusion, severe drowsiness;
• eye pain, seeing halos around lights;
• fever, shallow breathing, weak pulse, hot and red skin; or
• (in a child taking glycopyrrolate) dry diapers, fussiness, or excessive crying.

Common side effects of glycopyrrolate may include:

• constipation, nausea, vomiting, bloating;
• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling nervous;
• slow or fast heartbeats;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• blurred vision, sensitivity to light;
• dry mouth, decreased sense of taste;
• decreased sweating, decreased urination;
• impotence, sexual problems;
• headache; or
• rash.

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

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.

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

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).

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.

Sometimes, it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;
• opioid medication;
• sleep medicine, cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);
• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;
• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;
• medicine to treat overactive bladder;
• bronchodilator asthma medication; or
• seizure medication.

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.