Glycopyrrolate Solution

Glycopyrrolate is a medication that treats certain medical conditions that cause drooling in children. It comes as a liquid solution that you can give to your child by mouth. You can use an oral syringe, a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose.

What is this medication?

GLYCOPYRROLATE (glye koe PYE roe late) treats excessive drooling caused by some conditions, such as cerebral palsy. It works by decreasing the amount of saliva you make.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cuvposa

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Eye problems, such as glaucoma
  • Heart disease or irregular heartbeat
  • Hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Stomach or bowel problems, such as obstruction or ulcerative colitis
  • Thyroid 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. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. If you are giving this medication to a child, use an oral syringe to give the dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Take this medication 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Advertisement

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?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Potassium tablets or capsules; liquid potassium may be used

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Amantadine
  • Atenolol
  • Digoxin
  • Haloperidol
  • Levodopa
  • Metformin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Advertisement

What should I watch for while using this medication?

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy. 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.

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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad
Call Appointment Center 866.320.4573
Questions 216.444.2200