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glycopyrrolate

Quaternary amine, muscarinic antagonist · Anticholinergic

Quaternary amine, muscarinic antagonistAnticholinergicATC A03AB02
CDSCO approvedATC A03AB02
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
not curated

Mechanism

Structurally unrelated to belladonna alkaloids. As a quaternary amine, it is less likely to cause adverse CNS effects as it is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. Reduces sweating locally by inhibiting M3 receptors at eccrine sweat glands.

Indications

Reduce GI tone and motility (duodenal ulcer)SialorrheaPrimary axillary hyperhidrosis (topical application)Obstructive airway diseaseBlock parasympathomimetic effects of neostigmine when reversing skeletal muscle relaxation after surgeryReduce drooling (e.g., in Parkinson's patients)offset muscarinic activation resulting from acetylcholinesterase inhibitionIBS (off-label use, to prevent pain and fecal urgency)to block muscarinic effects during postoperative decurarizationPreanaesthetic medicationDuring anaesthesiaBlock muscarinic actions of neostigmine

Dosing

Adult
Oral: 1 to 2 mg two or three times daily, not to exceed 6 mg/day.
Pediatric
5–10 µg/kg i.m.

Contraindications

  • Urinary tract obstruction
  • GI obstruction
  • Uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (use with extreme caution)
  • Colitis
  • Reflux esophagitis
  • Bowel obstruction

Side effects

Common
Antimuscarinic adverse effects similar to atropineDry mouthConstipationBlurred visionGastrointestinal discomfortDizzinessNausea

Drug interactions

Neostigmine
Moderate
Textbook

Serious cardiac arrhythmias have occasionally occurred (in context of neostigmine with antimuscarinics).

Glycopyrrolate is used to block the parasympathomimetic effects of neostigmine when reversing skeletal muscle relaxation after surgery.

Source: G&G 14e · p218

Related guidelines

Other Quaternary amine, muscarinic antagonist drugs

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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team