Glycopyrrolate

Glycopyrrolate is  a medication of the muscarinic anticholinergic group. It does not cross the blood brain barrier and consequently has no to few central effects. It is a synthetic quaternary amine. It is available in oral and intravenous (i.v.) forms.

With counterion, it is known as glycopyrronium bromide.

Pharmacology
Glycopyrrolate blocks muscarinic receptors, thus inhibiting cholinergic transmission.

Medical uses
In anesthesia, glycopyrrolate injection can be used as a preoperative medication in order to reduce salivary, tracheobronchial, and pharyngeal secretions, as well as decreasing the acidity of gastric secretion. It is also used in conjunction with neostigmine, a neuromuscular blocking reversal agent, to prevent neostigmine's muscarinic effects such as bradycardia.

It is also used to reduce excessive saliva (sialorrhea).

It decreases acid secretion in the stomach and so may be used for treating stomach ulcers, in combination with other medications.

Use in treating asthma and COPD has been described.

It has been used topically and orally to treat hyperhidrosis.

Side effects
Since glycopyrrolate reduces the body's sweating ability, it can even cause fever and heat stroke in hot environments. Dry mouth, difficulty urinating, headaches, diarrhea and constipation are also observed side effects of the medication.

The medication also induces drowsiness or blurred visions, an effect exacerbated by the consumption of alcohol.