Glycopyrrolate (Injection)

Glycopyrrolate (glye-koe-PYE-roe-late)

Treats peptic ulcers when you cannot take medicine by mouth or when treatment needs to be fast. Also used before and during surgery to dry up the mouth, throat, and stomach.

Brand Name(s):

Robinul
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glycopyrrolate, or if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or trouble urinating because of an enlarged prostate or other blockage. You should not use this medicine if you have certain problems with digestion, including severe colitis or something physically blocking digestion.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give medicine to yourself when you are at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine and used IV bags, vials, and tubing. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using atropine, dicyclomine (Bentyl®), scopolamine (Transderm Scop®), K-tab® or other potassium supplements, phenothiazines (such as Compazine®, Phenergan®, Serentil®, Thorazine®), medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, imipramine, Norpramin®, Vivactil®), or medicine for Parkinson's disease (such as levodopa, Sinemet®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, overactive thyroid, heart problems, high blood pressure, nerve problems, hiatal hernia, heartburn, diarrhea, colitis, a colostomy or ileostomy, or any other problems with your digestive system.
• If this medicine is being used by your child, make sure your child's doctor knows if your child has Down's syndrome, problems with muscle spasms, or brain damage.
• Be careful during hot weather or exercising. This medicine may make you sweat less, so you could get overheated more easily.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or cause blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or fainting, trouble breathing
• Muscle weakness or stiffness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Confusion, or nervousness
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Dry mouth
• Light bothering your eyes
• Redness, pain, swelling, or itching where the injection is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.