Glycopyrrolate

Glycopyrrolate serves the purpose of reducing the extra amount of drooling among children from 3 to 16 years old which is caused due to medical conditions like cerebral palsy. It works in the body by reducing the amount of saliva produced. Further, this medicine belongs to the class of drugs called as Anticholinergics. In addition to this, it also helps to control peptic ulcer which is caused due to large amounts of stomach acid production. Further, the drug protects heart and nervous system by reducing secretion in the airway during surgery.

DOSAGE –

• Glycopyrrolate has to be taken as directed by the doctors.
• Adult and pediatric dosages: Syrup: 0.2 mg/ml; 1 mg/5 ml Tablet: 1 mg; 1.5 mg; 2 mg;

SIDE EFFECTS –

• Body ache
• Chills
• Constipation
• Cough
• Problem in urinating
• Difficulty in breathing
• Ear and nasal congestion
• Fever
• Headache
• Redness on the face, neck and arms
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Weakness

RARE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Dry mouth
• Faintness
• Increase in heart rate
• Lightheadedness
• Rapid breathing
• Thirstiness
• Vomiting
• Wheezing
• Wrinkled skin

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Potassium chloride
• Potassium citrate
• Topiramate
• Zonisamide

Glycopyrrolate has major interactions with 4 different drugs.

MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Azatadine
• Ethanol
• Fentanyl
• Fesoterodine
• Cyproheptadine
• Darifenacin
• Belladonna
• Trospium
• Umeclidinium
• Ziprasidone
• Hyoscyamine
• Iloperidone
• Rivastigmine
• Scopolamine
• Oxymorphone
• Paliperidone
• Ketoconazole
• Labetalol

Glycopyrrolate has moderate interactions with 166 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS –

• This drug contains inactive ingredients which may result in allergic reactions. So a pharmacist must be consulted before consuming it.
• It is necessary to discuss any medical history related liver and kidney disorders, thyroid problem, nerve disorders, a colostomy, heart problems, or slow digestion.
• Since this drug makes a person dizzy so activities like driving and others which needs more attention should be avoided.
• Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• The consumption of this medication results in heat strokes. So conditions that cause overheat like exercising in hot weather should be avoided.
• Use of this drug show adverse symptoms on adults resulting in drowsiness, urination problems, or constipation

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION WITH GLYCOPYRROLATE:

• Use of Glycopyrrolate in pregnancy may be acceptable only if the benefits exceed the risks involved
• Studies in animal pregnancy have shown adverse effects on fetus. But no adequate studies have been found in humans to access the damage involved.
• It is not known if Glycopyrrolate transfers into breast milk. But it slows down the breast milk production. Preferable precautions must be taken during breast feeding.

WARNINGS –

• The medication must not be used by patients having severe ulcerative colitis, low blood pressure or active bleeding with irregularly fast heartbeats.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.