GLENMARK AIRZ
GLYCOPYRROLATE USP
What it does
Glycopyrrolate is a medication that helps reduce secretions in the body, such as saliva, and is often used to help manage certain medical conditions.
Commonly used for: excessive drooling (sialorrhea), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anesthesia to reduce secretions
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:41:37 · updated 2026-09-15 02:28:14
About this medicine
Glycopyrrolate is a medication that helps reduce secretions in the body, such as saliva, and is often used to help manage certain medical conditions.
What it treats
- excessive drooling (sialorrhea)
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- anesthesia to reduce secretions
How it works
Glycopyrrolate works by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause glands to produce fluids, which helps to dry up saliva and other secretions.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults and children who need help controlling excessive secretions or specific respiratory conditions.
Cautions
- • May not be suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as glaucoma or urinary retention.
- • Consult your doctor if you have a history of heart problems.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: glycopyrrolate
BNF-referencedGlycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic medication primarily used to reduce salivation and other secretions in the respiratory tract. It is also employed in the management of peptic ulcers and as a preoperative medication to decrease salivary and bronchial secretions. Glycopyrrolate works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, leading to decreased secretory gland activity.
Indications
- Reduction of salivation and secretions during surgery
- Management of peptic ulcers
- Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Preoperative medication to decrease bronchial secretions
- Management of hyperhidrosis
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific paediatric dosing recommendations.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific adult dosing recommendations depending on the indication.
Mechanism of action
Glycopyrrolate acts as a competitive antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. By inhibiting the binding of acetylcholine, it reduces the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which leads to decreased secretion of glands, such as salivary and bronchial glands, as well as a reduction in gastrointestinal motility.
Pharmacodynamics
Glycopyrrolate exhibits antimuscarinic properties, which result in decreased secretions from salivary and bronchial glands. This effect can be beneficial in various clinical situations where excessive secretions can lead to complications. The drug also has a mild effect on inhibiting gastric acid secretion, contributing to its use in peptic ulcer management.
Pharmacokinetics
Glycopyrrolate is well absorbed following oral administration. It has a bioavailability of approximately 10% due to significant first-pass metabolism. The drug is widely distributed in body tissues and has a relatively long half-life, allowing for prolonged effects. Glycopyrrolate is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with renal clearance being a significant route for elimination.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to glycopyrrolate or any of its components
- Myasthenia gravis
- Glaucoma
- Obstructive uropathy
- Severe ulcerative colitis
Adverse effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Urinary retention
- Tachycardia
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs may enhance the effects of glycopyrrolate
- Concurrent use with other drugs that may cause anticholinergic side effects can increase the risk of adverse effects
- Potassium chloride may cause gastrointestinal irritation when administered with glycopyrrolate
Precautions
- Caution in patients with cardiovascular disease
- Caution in elderly patients
- Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment
- Monitor for signs of increased heart rate
Pregnancy
Glycopyrrolate should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Glycopyrrolate is excreted in breast milk, caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets: 1 mg, 2 mg
- Injectable solution: 0.2 mg/mL
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: glycopyrrolate
PubChem CID 11693Molecular formula: C19H28BrNO3
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.