Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium

Dosage Forms Available

• Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium is available for oral use in the form of tablets and oral solutions, which are typically used to manage conditions such as peptic ulcer disease and excessive drooling.

• It is also available as an injection, which is administered either intramuscularly or intravenously, primarily in hospital settings.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medicine is meant for adults and children. However, the age range for children depends on the specific indication for use. It is crucial to consult a doctor about age-appropriate dosing.

Contraindications

• Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the medication or its components.

• Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, obstructive uropathy (such as enlarged prostate), or gastrointestinal obstruction (such as pyloric stenosis or paralytic ileus) should not take this medication.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium may interact with other anticholinergic medicines (such as atropine, scopolamine), antidepressants (like fluoxetine), antipsychotics (like phenothiazines), antihistamines (like diphenhydramine), opioid analgesics (like codeine, morphine) and potassium chloride solid oral dosage forms.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of this medication may cause severe dry mouth, constipation, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty urinating. If you observe these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.

• If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• For dry mouth, consider chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on ice chips.

• For constipation, increase your intake of fluids and dietary fibre.

• If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid activities that require mental alertness such as driving or operating heavy machinery.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium may affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery due to side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid such activities if these side effects occur after taking the medication.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The safety of Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established. It is advisable to consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with kidney diseases, Down syndrome, gastric reflux, diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, hyperthyroidism, or high fever should exercise caution when taking Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintaining a balanced diet can help manage conditions like peptic ulcer disease for which Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium is often prescribed.

• Regular hydration can help manage side effects like dry mouth and constipation associated with this medication.

• Avoiding triggers of excessive salivation (such as certain foods or stress) can improve the management of sialorrhea for patients taking this medication.