GLYCOPYRROLATE (GLY koe PYE roe late) treats stomach ulcers. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Glaucoma
Heart disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis
Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
Kidney disease
Myasthenia gravis
Stomach or intestine problems
An unusual or allergic reaction to glycopyrrolate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Amantadine
Antacids
Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
Atropine
Certain formulations of potassium chloride
Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin, tolterodine
Certain medications for irregular heartbeat, such as disopyramide, procainamide, lidocaine, mexiletine, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
Certain medications for mental health conditions
Certain medications for Parkinson's disease, such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital, primidone
Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
Ipratropium
TCAs, medications for depression, such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever that does not go away, decreased sweating
Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Blurry vision
Constipation
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Flushing
Vomiting
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Alcohol may interfere with the effects of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Avoid extreme heat. This medication can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
