MedlinePlus Drug Information: Glycopyrrolate

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Glycopyrrolate

(glye koe pye' roe late)

Brand name(s): Robinul; Robinul Forte

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Glycopyrrolate is used in combination with other medications to treat ulcers. Glycopyrrolate is in a class of medications called anticholinergics. It decreases stomach acid production by blocking the activity of a certain natural substance in the body.

How should this medicine be used?

Glycopyrrolate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken 2 or 3 times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take glycopyrrolate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking glycopyrrolate,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to glycopyrrolate or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticholinergics; antidepressants; ipratropium (Atrovent); mediations for anxiety, irritable bowel disease, mental illness, motion sickness, Parkinson's disease, seizures, ulcers, or urinary problems; sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy), ulcerative colitis, myasthenia gravis, gastrointestinal disease, overactive thyoid (hyperthyroidism), high blood pressure, heart failure, irregular or rapid heartbeats, coronary artery disease, hiatal hernia with reflux, disorders of the nervous system, or kidney or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking glycopyrrolate, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking glycopyrrolate.
you should know that glycopyrrolate may make you drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
you should know that glycopyrrolate reduces the body's ability to cool off by sweating. In very high temperatures, glycopyrrolate can cause fever and heat stroke.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Glycopyrrolate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dry mouth
decreased sweating
difficulty urinating
blurred vision
vision problems
loss of taste
headaches
nervousness
confusion
drowsiness
weakness
dizziness
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
upset stomach
vomiting
constipation
bloated feeling

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

diarrhea
rash or hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing

Glycopyrrolate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer