Glycopyrrolate

Major Uses

Glycopyrrolate is a synthetic antimuscarinic agent used in dogs and cats as a pre-anesthetic anticholinergic agent. It is commonly used to treat sinus bradycardia, sinoatrial arrest, and incomplete AV block. It may be used to prevent the peripheral muscarinic effects of cholinergic agents used to reverse neuromuscular blockage due to non-deplolarizing muscle relaxants.

Common Precautions

Glycopyrrolate should not be used in pregnant animals. It should be cautiously used in patients with known or suspected GI infections, as antimuscarinic agents can decrease GI motility and prolong retention of the causative agents or toxins, which can cause prolonged clinical signs. Glycopyrrolate should be used cautiously in patients with hepatic or renal disease, hyperthyroidism, tachyarrhythmias, CHF, prostatic hypertrophy, hypertension, or esophageal reflux. It should also be used with caution in pediatric and geriatric patients.

Glycopyrrolate should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. An overdose of glycopyrrolate will most commonly cause minimal CNS effects. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if any negative reactions occur.

Storage

Glycopyrrolate should be kept at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. It should be stored where children and pets will not be able to reach it.

Administration

When used as an adjunct to anesthesia, a typical dose of glycopyrrolate in dogs and cats is 0.011mg/kg 15 minutes before anesthesia is administered. When used to treat bradyarrhythmia, a typical dose is between .005-.01 mg/kg once daily. If a scheduled dose is missed, the forgotten dose should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular schedule should be returned to. Under no circumstances should two doses be administered at the same time.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.