Glycopyrrolate for Myasthenia Gravis

Overview
Glycopyrrolate is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating peptic ulcers in adults. Glycopyrrolate is sometimes used to manage cholinergic side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors, such as pyridostigmine and neostigmine, which are often used for treating myasthenia gravis. These cholinergic side effects can include weakness, gastrointestinal problems like abdominal cramping and diarrhea, and others.

Glycopyrrolate falls into a category of treatments called anticholinergic drugs. It is believed to work by decreasing how much stomach acid and saliva the body produces by blocking the activity of a particular natural substance in the body.

How do I take it?
Glycopyrrolate comes in various formulations. For treating side effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, it may be taken orally, intramuscularly (a shot into a muscle), or intravenously (through an IV), depending on the circumstances. Your doctor will instruct you on how to take it.

Side effects
Common side effects of glycopyrrolate include dry mouth, urinary hesitancy and retention, blurred vision and light sensitivity due to dilated pupils, paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye, increased eye pressure, changes to the heart rate, and decreased sweating.

Rare but serious side effects include the sudden onset or worsening of acute glaucoma, drowsiness, blurred vision, heat exhaustion, intestinal obstruction, and faster heart rate.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Overview of the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis — Wolters Kluwer UpToDate
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-t...

Anesthesia for the Patient With Myasthenia Gravis — Wolters Kluwer UpToDate
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/anesthesia-fo...

Glycopyrrolate (Intramuscular Route, Intravenous Route) — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gl...