Glycopyrrolate

What is glycopyrrolate?

Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic medication. It blocks the brain chemical acetylcholine from sending out nerve impulses. This type of medicine may be used for a number of gastrointestinal conditions and before surgical procedures. It is also given to decrease secretions, such as saliva.

You may hear glycopyrrolate called by its brand name, Robinul. Glycopyrrolate comes in an injection form. This solution may be given by mouth.

Before giving glycopyrrolate to your child

Tell your child's doctor if she has:

• an allergy to glycopyrrolate
• increased heart rate
• stomach problems
• ulcerative colitis
• urinary tract blockage
• glaucoma

Precautions may need to be taken with this medicine. Talk with your child's doctor or pharmacist if she has any of the following conditions:

• bleeding problems
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• chronic lung disease
• liver or kidney disease

How should you give your child glycopyrrolate?

Give your child glycopyrrolate only as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Do not use it in larger amounts, and do not use it more often than you are told to by the doctor or pharmacist.

If your child is taking this medicine by mouth or by feeding tube:

• Follow the instructions from your child's nurse or pharmacist for removing the drug from the vial.
• You may give the glycopyrrolate straight from the vial, or you may mix it with water.
• Do not mix the dose of glycopyrrolate until you are ready to use the medication.
• Give this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your child's stomach, give it with food.
• If your child is getting this medicine by injection, she will get this medicine at the hospital. A doctor or nurse will give it by needle into your child's vein.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of glycopyrrolate?

• Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next dose at the regular time.
• Do not give your child two doses to make up for one missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of glycopyrrolate?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take glycopyrrolate. Check with your child's doctor if your child continues to have any of these side effects, especially if they do not go away, or if they bother your child:

• constipation
• decreased sweating
• dry mouth, nose, throat, or skin
• blurred vision
• trouble passing urine
• drowsiness

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take her to the nearest Emergency Department if she has any of these side effects:

• confusion
• dizziness
• lightheadedness or fainting
• skin rash or hives
• fast, pounding heartbeat
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, or tongue
• shortness of breath
• difficulty swallowing

What safety measures should you take when your child is using glycopyrrolate?

It is important that you tell your doctor and pharmacist if your child takes any other medications (prescription, non-prescription, herbal, or natural products).

Glycopyrrolate may make your child dizzy, drowsy, and less alert than normal. Watch carefully when your child is doing something that she needs to be alert for. Your child's teacher should also know that she is taking medication with these effects.

This medicine may cause your child's eyes to become more sensitive to light than they normally are. Wearing sunglasses may help lessen the discomfort from bright light.

Glycopyrrolate may cause dryness of the mouth and throat. Frequent mouth care will help. If your child's mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your doctor or dentist.

What other important information should you know about glycopyrrolate?

• Keep a list of all medications your child is on and show the list to their doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others. Do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Make sure you always have enough glycopyrrolate to last through weekends, holidays, and vacations. Call your pharmacy at least two days before your child runs out of medicine to order refills.
• Keep glycopyrrolate vials at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do NOT store it in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.
  

Keep glycopyrrolate out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much glycopyrrolate, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.