Uses

What is glycopyrrolate used for?

Glycopyrrolate is commonly used to reduce burning, pain, and other symptoms of stomach ulcers. It may also be used in people with medical conditions that cause too much drooling.

Glycopyrrolate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does glycopyrrolate work (mechanism of action)?

Glycopyrrolate blocks certain signals in the body to help reduce the amount of acid and other fluids your stomach produces. It also reduces the amount of saliva your body makes, as well as slowing down the natural movement of your gut.    

How is glycopyrrolate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cuvposa
  • Robinul
  • Robinul Forte

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg/5 mL oral solution
  • 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg oral tablets

How should I store glycopyrrolate?

Glycopyrrolate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of glycopyrrolate?

The most common side effects of glycopyrrolate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurred vision 
  • Drowsiness
  • Decreased sweating
  • Flushing of the face or skin
  • Vomiting 
  • Constipation (see below)
  • Dry mouth
  • Fast heartbeat 
  • Problems peeing 
  • Runny nose, swollen sinuses, or infection of nose or throat
  • Headache 

There may be other side effects of glycopyrrolate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of glycopyrrolate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of glycopyrrolate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Glycopyrrolate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking glycopyrrolate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Constipation. Some people taking glycopyrrolate may develop severe constipation that could require a hospital stay. Stop taking glycopyrrolate and get help right away if you have severe constipation.

Blockage of the Gut. Some people taking glycopyrrolate may develop a blockage of the gut, especially if they have an ileostomy or colostomy (openings made in the belly to collect poop). Stop taking glycopyrrolate and call your healthcare provider right away if you have diarrhea. This can be an early sign that you have a blockage in your gut.

Body Temperature Regulation. Glycopyrrolate can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms.

  • Excessive or no sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling very hot
  • Feeling thirsty
  • Not able to pee

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use glycopyrrolate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take glycopyrrolate.

  • Glycopyrrolate
  • Cuvposa
  • Robinul
  • Robinul Forte 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific glycopyrrolate products they stock.

Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that may lead to trouble seeing or blindness because of damage to the optic nerve in your eye. Glycopyrrolate can make this condition worse or can block the effects of medicines used to treat glaucoma. It should not be used if you have glaucoma.

Blockage of the Urinary Tract. Glycopyrrolate should not be used if you have a blockage in your urinary tract, also called obstructive uropathy. Glycopyrrolate can make this condition worse. 

Enlarged Prostate. Glycopyrrolate should not be used if you have an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Glycopyrrolate can make this condition worse.

Gut Blockage. Glycopyrrolate should not be used if you have a blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction). Glycopyrrolate can make this worse.

Slowed Gut Movement. Paralytic ileus is a type of ileus where your intestines are unable to move food through them. Glycopyrrolate can make this condition worse. 

Stomach Bleeding. Glycopyrrolate should not be used if you have a stomach ulcer that is bleeding. It can make this condition worse.

Severe Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause pain and sores in the lining of your large intestine. Glycopyrrolate can make this condition worse.

Toxic Megacolon. Toxic megacolon is a rare and serious condition that can cause your colon to swell, weaken, and stop working properly. Glycopyrrolate can make this condition worse. 

Myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is a condition that can cause muscle weakness. Glycopyrrolate can make this condition worse. It should not be used if you have a history of this condition.

Drug Interactions. Glycopyrrolate should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking glycopyrrolate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.  See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about glycopyrrolate before using it?

Do not take glycopyrrolate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share glycopyrrolate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep glycopyrrolate out of the reach of children.

Glycopyrrolate can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how glycopyrrolate affects you.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from glycopyrrolate. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of liquid glycopyrrolate. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using glycopyrrolate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if glycopyrrolate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Nerve damage
  • Thyroid problems
  • Heart problems or fast or abnormal heartbeats 
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Stomach or bowel problems
  • Prostate problems
  • Eye problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how glycopyrrolate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if glycopyrrolate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop glycopyrrolate.

Interactions

Does glycopyrrolate interact with foods or drinks?

Take glycopyrrolate liquid at least one hour before or two hours after meals.  

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect glycopyrrolate. The risk of drowsiness and blurred vision may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking glycopyrrolate.

Does glycopyrrolate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking glycopyrrolate.

  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Potassium chloride (Klor-Con and others), which is a medicine used to raise potassium levels
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital
  • A medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic)
  • A muscle relaxant, such as carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine, or tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • Amantadine (Gocovri), which is a medicine that may be used to treat Parkinson’s disease
  • An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Atenolol, a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
  • Metformin, a medicine for diabetes
  • Haloperidol, a medicine used for certain mental health conditions
  • Levodopa, which is a medicine for Parkinson’s disease
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

Glycopyrrolate may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with glycopyrrolate. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Glycopyrrolate interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much glycopyrrolate?

If you or someone else has used too much glycopyrrolate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of glycopyrrolate?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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