Glycopyrrolate
About Glycopyrrolate
Glycopyrrolate belongs to the group of medications called ‘anticholinergics’ primarily used to treat peptic ulcers in adults and children above 12 years. It is also used to treat severe drooling caused by certain neurologic disorders (cerebral palsy) in children 3 to 16 years of age. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and intestine due to erosion of the stomach's protective lining.
Glycopyrrolate contains ‘Glycopyrrolate’, which decreases stomach acid and saliva production by blocking the activity of a certain natural substance in the body. Thereby helps treat peptic ulcers and drooling.
You are advised to take Glycopyrrolate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Glycopyrrolate may cause dry mouth, vomiting, flushing, headache, and nasal congestion. Most of these side effects of Glycopyrrolate do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in Glycopyrrolate. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Glycopyrrolate may cause sleepiness and blurred vision, do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert. Let your doctor know if you are taking any prescription and non-prescription medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
Uses of Glycopyrrolate
Medicinal Benefits
- Glycopyrrolate contains Glycopyrrolate, which belongs to a group of medicines called anticholinergics.
- It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a natural substance in the body, leading to reduced secretion of stomach acid and saliva.
- It is used to treat peptic ulcers in adults and children above 12 years by lowering stomach acid levels and promoting healing.
- It helps control excessive drooling (sialorrhea) in children aged 3 to 16 years with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy.
- By reducing secretions, Glycopyrrolate also contributes to improved comfort, hygiene, and quality of life in affected individuals.
Directions for Use
- Glycopyrrolate can be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after food, as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow Glycopyrrolate as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Glycopyrrolate
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Constipation
- Nasal congestion
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Glycopyrrolate if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor about any known allergies to medications.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use Glycopyrrolate only after consulting your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions such as glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, autonomic neuropathy, hyperthyroidism, urination problems, stomach or intestinal blockages, severe constipation, ulcerative colitis, bleeding problems, circulation issues, enlarged prostate, or liver/kidney diseases.
- Do not take Glycopyrrolate on your own, increase or decrease the dose, or stop it without your doctor’s advice. Always use it exactly as directed by your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Glycopyrrolate may interact with other anticholinergics (atropine), cholinesterase inhibitors (neostigmine, pyridostigmine), anticonvulsants (topiramate), antihistamines (diphenhydramine).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Diseases Interaction: If you have urination problems, gastrointestinal blockage, severe constipation, ulcerative colitis, glaucoma, heart and blood circulation problems, inform your doctor before taking Glycopyrrolate.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Glycopyrrolate. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Glycopyrrolate if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Glycopyrrolate if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Glycopyrrolate can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionGlycopyrrolate may cause sleepiness and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have liver problems, please inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have kidney problems, please inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Children
safe if prescribedIt should be given only if prescribed by the doctor, and the dose and duration must be followed exactly as directed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating to prevent acid reflux.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes as it might increase the pressure on the abdomen leading to acid reflux.
- Practice relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat food, spicy food, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea, and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5minutes break every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and intestine due to erosion of the stomach's protective lining. Symptoms include nausea, changes in appetite, bloody or dark stools, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and indigestion.
Drooling: It is a condition in which excessive saliva flows out of the mouth involuntarily. Drooling can occur due to medical or neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy.
FAQs
Glycopyrrolate is used for the treatment of Peptic ulcers, Drooling (excessive salivation).
Dry mouth could be a side effect of Glycopyrrolate. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking, and drinking water regularly, chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva, thereby preventing drying of the mouth.
Do not stop taking Glycopyrrolate on your own. You are advised to take Glycopyrrolate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. Do not be hesitant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Glycopyrrolate.
Glycopyrrolate may cause your child to sweat less, leading to overheating and heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat, such as exercising. Consult your doctor if you notice hot, red skin, fast, weak pulse, fast, shallow breathing, fever, or decreased alertness.
Glycopyrrolate may cause constipation. Eat fibre rich diet and drink plenty of water.
Glycopyrrolate decreases stomach acid and saliva production by blocking the activity of a certain natural substance in the body.
