Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate)

Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate): Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Reverses parasympathetic effects by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors at the terminal extremities of the parasympathetic nervous system.
• It is devoid of central effects due to its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier due to its quaternary structure.

Uses of Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate)

• Preoperatively, used to reduce oral and bronchial secretions.
• It is also used to inhibit vagal efferent activity and treat bradycardias resulting from the administration of potent opioid medications.
• Glycopyrronium is used with long-acting anticholinesterase medications (such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine) during neuromuscular block antagonism.

Dose of Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate) in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• Management of vagally mediated bradyarrhythmias: 2–10 μg (micrograms)/kg i.v., i.m.
• Neuromuscular blockade antagonism: glycopyrronium (10 μg/ kg i.v. once) with neostigmine (50 μg/kg i.v. once)

Side Effects of Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate) in Dogs and Cats

• Tachycardias following an overdose of glycopyrronium are usually transient and do not require management.
• Ventricular arrhythmias may be treated with lidocaine if severe.
• The incidence of adverse effects is lower than that seen with atropine.

Contraindications of Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate) in Dogs and Cats

• No information available

Some Notes:

• When used with alkaline medications (for example, barbiturates), a precipitate can occur.
• Sympathomimetics and thiazide diuretics may be enhanced by antimuscarinics.
• Antihistamines, pethidine, benzodiazepines, and phenothiazines may all increase the activity of glycopyrronium.
• It is not advisable to combine glycopyrronium and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.