We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Glycopyrrolate?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,060
Share

Glycopyrrolate is a medication prescribed to treat peptic ulcers. It may be effective in relieving pain caused by this condition; however, patients are unlikely to heal their ulcers or prevent them from recurring with this drug. Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic medicine that works by decreasing the amount of stomach acid that is produced. It also helps relax the stomach muscles. A doctor may also sometimes prescribe it to treat children between the ages of three and 16 who suffer from chronic, severe drooling that can be caused by cerebral palsy and other disorders.

Adults with peptic ulcers will typically be prescribed 3 milligrams (mg) of glycopyrrolate daily, taken in three evenly divided doses. The total daily dose should not usually exceed 8 mg. Dosages for children with severe drooling will be determined by weight on an individual basis. Each dose should be taken on an empty stomach.

Some side effects may occur with the use of glycopyrrolate, which should be reported to the prescribing physician if they become bothersome or are persistent. These can include dry mouth, vomiting, and upset stomach. Some people may experience insomnia, blurred vision, or drowsiness. Dizziness, dry eyes, and abdominal bloating may also occur. Loss of taste, nervousness, and confusion have also been reported.

More serious side effects have been reported rarely. Patients should seek immediate medical care if they experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat, eye pain, and difficulty urinating. Hallucinations, unusual excitement, and abnormal, decreased sweating may also occur. Some patients have experienced flushed or hot skin, problems breathing or swallowing, and severe diarrhea.

Elderly patients should be aware that they may be more susceptible to side effects while using glycopyrrolate. They may especially experience problems urinating, drowsiness, and excitement. All patients should follow certain precautions while using this drug, which include consuming alcohol in moderation only. They should also drink plenty of fluids and avoid becoming overheated, because glycopyrrolate can increase the risk of heat stroke.

Before using glycopyrrolate, patients should disclose their other medical conditions to ensure patient safety. This medicine may be contraindicated for use by those who have liver or kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, and glaucoma. Patients with an enlarged prostate, ulcerative colitis, or any heart problems should not use it. As of 2011, it is unknown if this drug can pass into breast milk. Women who are pregnant should avoid this medicine or use it only if there is a greater risk to the mother.

Patients should also disclose their other medications and supplements before beginning treatment with glycopyrrolate. It may interact with potassium supplements, antifungals, and levodopa. Digoxin, tricyclic antidepressants, and some drugs for Parkinson's disease should also not be used along with this medicine.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-glycopyrrolate.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.