Dr Mark Moore

Mark Moore, MD
Tallahassee Anesthesiology, PA

Anesthesia Medications

Glycopyrrolate

Glycopyrrolate
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Glycopyrrolate: Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic agent that may also be used as an antispasmotic in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Like atropine it may also be used presurgery to reduce salivation and bronchial secretions and minimize bradycardia during intubation. Side effects may include include mydriasis (dilation) of the pupils and increased intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma; dry, tenacious secretions of nose, mouth, throat, and bronchi; decreased motility and secretions of the gastrointestinal tract; heart rate increases; and decreased sweating. Unlike atropine, however, glycopyrrolate is completely ionized at physiological pH. Thus the occurrence of CNS related side effects is lower, in comparison to their incidence following administration of anticholinergics which are chemically tertiary amines that can cross the blood brain barrier readily.