What is Glycopyrrolate?
Glycopyrrolate is used to treat conditions like peptic ulcers, which are caused by excessive production of stomach acid.Glycopyrrolate can also be used to reduce excessive drooling among children aged 3–16 who are suffering from certain medical conditions, such as cerebral paralysis.The injection of glycopyrrolate is also used in surgery to reduce the secretions that may be present in your stomach and airways and to protect your heart and nervous systems while you are under anaesthesia.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of glycopyrrolate.
Side effects of Glycopyrrolate
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Glycopyrrolate can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Constipation is a serious condition that causes severe abdominal pain, bloating and severe stomach discomfort.
- Diarrhoea, especially if you are suffering from a colonostomy.
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Fluttering or fast heartbeats
- Severe sleepiness
- Eye pain, seeing halos around lights;
- A fever is characterised by a weak pulse and hot, reddened skin.
- Dry diapers, fussiness, or excessive crying (in children taking glycopyrrolate)
Side effects of glycopyrrolate include:
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting, and bloating;
- Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling nervous;
- Heartbeats can be slow or rapid.
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Flushing (a sudden feeling of warmth, redness, or tingling sensation);
- Blurred vision is a sensitivity to light.
- Dry mouth; decreased sense of smell;
- Reduced sweating; decreased urination
- Sexual problems;
- Headache
- Rash.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
famotidine, pantoprazole, fentanyl, symbicort, protonix, lidocaine, and pepcid
Warnings
Glycopyrrolate should not be used if you suffer from urination issues, stomach or intestinal blockages, severe constipation or ulcerative colitis, glaucoma, or myasthenia gravis.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- A bladder obstruction or any other urination problem;
- A stomach or obstruction in the bowel (including paralyticileus);
- Constipation severe;
- Severe ulcerative colitis, or toxic megacolon
- Glaucoma;
- Myasthenia gravis;
- Active bleeding is accompanied by rapid heartbeats, low blood pressure, and shortness of breath.
Be sure to inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- An enlarged prostrate
- Liver or kidney disease
- Heart problems or heart rhythm disorders;
- High blood pressure
- A stomach disorder, such as hiatal hernia or reflux disease, or slow digestion
- A colostomy or ileostomy;
- A thyroid disorder,
- A nerve disorder.
Unknown is whether glycopyrrolate can harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor immediately if you are expecting or planning on becoming pregnant.Glycopyrrolate should not be used while breastfeeding. Breast milk production may be affected by glycopyrrolate.Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.
How to take glycopyrrolate?
Read and comply with the directions or guides included with your medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. As instructed, take your medication exactly as prescribed.It may be necessary to take glycopyrrolate with an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Please follow all directions that accompany your medication.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon) to measure liquid medicine.Allow the tablet to dissolve naturally without chewing.Swallow the tablet with no water.The dose of glycopyrrolate is based on the weight of the child. If your child loses or gains weight, the dose needed may change.Store away from any heat or moisture at room temperature for maximum shelf life.. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.Injections of glycopyrrolate are given either as an infusion or injection into the muscle. If you cannot take the medication by mouth, a healthcare provider can give you an injection.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect a poison exposure and seek emergency medical help immediately.Overdose symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of movement, dilated pupils, jerky movements of the muscles, or seizures (convulsions).
What should be avoided?
You should avoid driving or other hazardous activities until you are sure of how glycopyrrolate affects you. You may be unable to react.Avoid overheating or dehydration during exercise in hot weather. You may become more susceptible to heat stroke if you take glycopyrrolate.Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.
Interaction with other drug
Sometimes taking multiple medications at the same time may not be safe.Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Medicine to treat depression or anxiety;
- Opioid medication
- Sleep medicine, cold medicine, or allergen medicine
- Medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Medicine to address digestive ailments, travel sickness or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Medicine to treat overactive urinary bladder
- Bronchodilator asthma medicine
- Seizure medication.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect glycopyrrolate. This list does not encompass all potential drug interactions.
