Glycopyrrolate solution is used to reduce excessive
drooling caused by medical conditions (such as cerebral palsy). This
medication works by decreasing the amount of saliva you make.
Glycopyrrolate belongs to a class of drugs known as
anticholinergics.
Read the Patient and Caregiver Information Leaflet if
available from your pharmacist before you start taking glycopyrrolate and
each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually 3 times a day. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour
before or 2 hours after a meal. Carefully measure the dose using a special
measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not
get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. To reduce
the risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this
medication at a low dose and gradually increase the dose. Follow your
doctor's instructions carefully.
Do not increase the dose or take this drug more often
without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster
and your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, stuffy
nose, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough
water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your
pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- constipation that doesn't go away
- nausea that doesn't stop
- stomach/abdominal bloating or pain
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- decreased sweating
- dry/hot/flushed skin
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations,
agitation, nervousness, unusual excitement)
- difficulty urinating/inability to urinate
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling/redness
- vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at
night)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking glycopyrrolate, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure
type)
- problems with urination (such as urinary tract blockage,
severely enlarged prostate)
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as chronic constipation,
slow gut, intestinal blockage/infection, ulcerative colitis)
- myasthenia gravis
- kidney problems
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication may make you sweat less, making you more
likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to
overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs.
When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you
overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help
right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes,
headache, or dizziness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to this drug's side
effects, especially drowsiness, confusion, unusual excitement,
constipation, and urination problems.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- potassium chloride tablets/capsules
- pramlintide
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients
that cause drowsiness or a fast heartbeat. Ask your pharmacist about using
those products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as gastric secretion tests), possibly causing false test results.
Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: fever,
mental/mood changes (such as confusion, unusual excitement), seizures,
coma.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.