Constipation or Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction: Constipation is a common dose-limiting adverse reaction that sometimes leads to glycopyrrolate discontinuation. Assess patients for constipation, particularly within 4-5 days of initial dosing or after a dose increase. Intestinal pseudo-obstruction has been reported and may present as abdominal distention, pain, nausea or vomiting.
Incomplete Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction: Diarrhea may be an early symptom of incomplete mechanical intestinal obstruction, especially in patients with ileostomy or colostomy. If the incomplete mechanical intestinal obstruction is suspected, discontinue treatment with Glycopyrronium Bromide and evaluate for intestinal obstruction.
High Ambient Temperatures: In the presence of high ambient temperature, heat prostration (fever and heat stroke due to decreased sweating) can occur with the use of anticholinergic drugs such as Glycopyrronium Bromide. Advise patients/caregivers to avoid exposure of the patient to hot or very warm environmental temperatures.
Operating Machinery or an Automobile: Glycopyrronium Bromide may produce drowsiness or blurred vision. As appropriate for a given age, warn the patient not to engage in activities requiring mental alertness such as operating a motor vehicle or other machinery, or performing hazardous work while taking Glycopyrronium Bromide.
Anticholinergic Drug Effects: Use Glycopyrronium Bromide with caution in patients with conditions that are exacerbated by anticholinergic drug effects including:
- Autonomic neuropathy
- Renal disease
- Ulcerative colitis- Large doses may suppress intestinal motility to the point of producing a paralytic ileus and for this reason may precipitate or aggravate "toxic megacolon", a serious complication of the disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac tachyarrhythmias, tachycardia, and hypertension
- Hiatal hernia associated with reflux esophagitis, since anticholinergic drugs may aggravate this condition