Glycopyrronium Bromide
Pronunciation: (glye-koe-PIE-roe-nee-um BRO-mide).
- Generic name
- Glycopyrronium bromide
- Brand names
- Robinul, Cuvposa, Sialanar, Glycoryl, Glycopyrrolate, Seebri Neohaler
- Drug class
- Anticholinergic (Antimuscarinic) agent
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Glycopyrronium bromide is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Glycopyrronium bromide works
Glycopyrronium bromide is a synthetic quaternary ammonium antimuscarinic agent. It competitively inhibits acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in smooth muscle, secretory glands, and the central nervous system, leading to decreased secretions (saliva, bronchial, gastric), relaxation of smooth muscle, and reduced gastrointestinal motility. (1)
What Glycopyrronium bromide is used for
Reduction of excessive salivation (sialorrhea)
Reduction of excessive salivation (sialorrhea) (2)
Treatment of peptic ulcer disease (adjunctive therapy)
Treatment of peptic ulcer disease (adjunctive therapy) (2)
Reduction of airway secretions during surgery
Reduction of airway secretions during surgery (2)
Reversal of neuromuscular blockade (with neostigmine)
Reversal of neuromuscular blockade (with neostigmine) (2)
Treatment of hyperhidrosis
Treatment of hyperhidrosis (2)
Before taking Glycopyrronium bromide
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to glycopyrronium, narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, severe ulcerative colitis, paralytic ileus, and urinary retention. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Glycopyrronium bromide
- General Instructions: Take glycopyrronium bromide exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor.. Adult Dosing: For drooling: 1 mg orally 2-3 times daily. For COPD (inhalation): 50 mcg once daily. Dosing may vary based on indication and formulation.. Pediatric Dosing: For drooling in children: Start with 0.02 mg/kg orally 2-3 times daily, adjusted as needed. Maximum dose depends on age and weight.. Administration: Tablets and oral solutions can be taken with or without food. Inhalation powder should be used with the provided inhaler. Injection is administered by a healthcare professional.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking without your doctor's advice. If you experience severe side effects or a possible allergic reaction, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop this medicine.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
Because glycopyrronium bromide is available in several different products (tablets, oral solution, inhaler, and clinician-administered injection) with different dosing schedules, contact the prescriber or pharmacist for missed-dose guidance specific to your product. As a general safety point, do not take an extra dose to make up for one that was missed unless your clinician or pharmacist tells you to.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include severe dry mouth, confusion, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty urinating. Seek emergency medical help or contact a poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Dry mouth
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Constipation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Blurred vision
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Urinary retention
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Tachycardia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May cause drowsiness or blurred vision — serious
Symptoms: May cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Increases risk of heatstroke, especially in hot weather. Use with caution in elderly and pediatric patients. May worsen symptoms of certain eye, bowel, or urinary conditions. Potential for drug interactions with other anticholinergic medications.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to glycopyrronium, narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, severe ulcerative colitis, paralytic ileus, and urinary retention. Use caution in patients with renal impairment, elderly, children, and those with cardiovascular disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or autonomic neuropathy.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Glycopyrronium bromide may interact with other anticholinergic drugs, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and certain medications for Parkinson's disease. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
| Solid oral potassium chloride formulations | Co-administration with solid oral potassium chloride formulations should be avoided. Glycopyrronium bromide's effect of slowing gastrointestinal motility can increase the risk that solid potassium chloride tablets/capsules cause local mucosal injury as they pass through the GI tract. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Animal reproduction studies at non-toxic maternal doses have not shown embryo-fetal toxicity; adequate human data are not available and no reports of associated birth defects have been identified. Use in pregnancy only if the treating clinician judges it necessary. (2)
Breastfeeding
Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) may suppress lactation. There is no data on its presence in human breast milk. Discuss the individual benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before breastfeeding. (2)
Children
Pediatric use depends on the specific product and indication. The Robinul (oral peptic-ulcer) tablet product's own label states safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Separately, an oral-solution product (glycopyrrolate oral solution) is specifically approved for chronic drooling in children with certain neurologic conditions, with weight-based dosing (starting around 0.02 mg/kg 2-3 times daily) determined by a pediatric specialist. Pediatric use of any glycopyrronium bromide product must be guided by the prescribing clinician. (2)
Renal_impairment
Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is substantially excreted by the kidneys. Patients with renal impairment should be monitored for anticholinergic adverse reactions, and the medicine should be discontinued if these occur, as advised by the treating clinician. Specific hepatic-impairment dosing guidance has not been established. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is substantially excreted by the kidneys. Patients with renal impairment should be monitored for anticholinergic adverse reactions, and the medicine should be discontinued if these occur, as advised by the treating clinician. Specific hepatic-impairment dosing guidance has not been established. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, 20-25C (68-77F), in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Reduction of excessive salivation (sialorrhea)
Dose summary: For the oral peptic-ulcer adjunct product (Robinul/glycopyrrolate tablets): initial 1 mg three times daily (some patients may need 2 mg at bedtime), maintenance 1 mg twice daily is often adequate; an alternative regimen of 2 mg two-to-three times daily at equally spaced intervals is also labelled, with a maximum of 8 mg/day. Other approved formulations (e.g., inhaled for COPD, oral solution for pediatric drooling, injectable for surgical secretion control) have separate product-specific dosing.
Renal context: Glycopyrronium bromide is substantially excreted by the kidney. No specific numeric renal dose-reduction table is provided in labeling; patients with renal impairment should be monitored for anticholinergic adverse reactions, with discontinuation if these occur, as directed by the treating clinician. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is glycopyrronium bromide used for?
It is used to reduce excessive saliva (drooling), treat peptic ulcers, manage symptoms of COPD, and reduce secretions before surgery.
How does glycopyrronium bromide work?
It blocks acetylcholine receptors, reducing secretions like saliva and mucus, and relaxing smooth muscles in the airways.
What are the most common side effects?
Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and drowsiness are the most common side effects.
Can children take glycopyrronium bromide?
Yes, it is approved for use in children for certain conditions like drooling, but dosing must be carefully adjusted by a doctor.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Because glycopyrronium bromide products (tablets, oral solution, inhaler, injection) have different dosing schedules, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for missed-dose guidance specific to your product. Do not take an extra dose to make up for one that was missed unless your clinician or pharmacist tells you to.
Are there foods or activities I should avoid?
Avoid overheating, dehydration, and activities requiring alertness if you experience drowsiness or blurred vision.
What happens if I take too much Glycopyrronium bromide?
Taking too much Glycopyrronium bromide can lead to an overdose, characterized by severe anticholinergic symptoms such as extreme dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. In such cases, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat an overdose.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Glycopyrronium bromide?
It is generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Glycopyrronium bromide. Both alcohol and anticholinergic medications can cause central nervous system depression, potentially leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Combining them may exacerbate these side effects and impair your ability to perform tasks requiring alertness.
Is Glycopyrronium bromide safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Glycopyrronium bromide during pregnancy is not definitively established, and it falls into a category where risks cannot be ruled out. Therefore, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can assess the potential benefits against any risks to you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of Glycopyrronium bromide?
Glycopyrronium bromide is a synthetic quaternary ammonium antimuscarinic agent. It competitively inhibits acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in smooth muscle, secretory glands, and the central nervous system, leading to decreased secretions (saliva, bronchial, gastric), relaxation of smooth muscle, and reduced gastrointestinal motility. (1)
What is the generic name of Glycopyrronium Bromide?
The generic name is Glycopyrronium bromide. It is sold under brand names including Robinul, Cuvposa, Sialanar, Glycoryl, Glycopyrrolate, Seebri Neohaler.
What class of drug is Glycopyrronium bromide?
Glycopyrronium Bromide is classed as: Anticholinergic (Antimuscarinic) agent.
References
- Glycopyrronium bromide clinician‑authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Internal resource (multinational) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- ROBINUL (glycopyrrolate) tablets — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Glycopyrrolate — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Glycopyrronium bromide — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1546438)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Glycopyrronium bromide names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Qbrexza2.4 g00g · journey medical corporation
Canada
- SEEBRI BREEZHALER