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Glycopyrronium Bromide 200 micrograms/ml solution for Injection – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for healthcare professionals

Last updated: · Text from the MHRA, as of · About this document

The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is written for healthcare professionals. Patients will find plain advice in the patient information leaflet.

Medicine strength:
200 micrograms / ml
Contains active substance:

Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - Glycopyrronium Bromide 200 micrograms / ml solution for injection

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Glycopyrronium Bromide 200 micrograms/ml solution for Injection

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each ml of injection contains 200 micrograms (0.2mg) of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate).

Each 3ml of injection contains 600 micrograms (0.6mg) of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate).

Excipient with known effect:

Sodium Chloride: contains 9 mg per ml

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Solution for Injection

Clear, colourless sterile solution for injection

4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

  1. 1. To protect against the peripheral muscarinic actions of anticholinesterases such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine, used to reverse residual neuromuscular blockade produced by non-depolarising muscle relaxants.
  2. 2. As a pre-operative antimuscarinic agent to reduce salivary tracheobronchial and pharyngeal secretions and to reduce the acidity of the gastric contents.
  3. 3. As a pre-operative or intra-operative antimuscarinic to attenuate or prevent intra-operative bradycardia associated with the use of suxamethonium or due to cardiac vagal reflexes.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology

Premedication:

Adults and Elderly: 200 to 400 micrograms (0.2mg to 0.4mg) intravenously or intramuscularly before the induction of anaesthesia. Alternatively, a dose of 4 to 5 micrograms/kg (0.004 to 0.005mg/kg) up to a maximum of 400 micrograms (0.4mg) may be used. Larger doses may result in profound and prolonged antisialagogue effect which may be unpleasant for the patient.

Paediatric population: 4 to 8 micrograms/kg (0.004 to 0.008mg/kg) up to a maximum of 200 micrograms (0.2mg) intravenously or intramuscularly before the induction of anaesthesia. Larger doses may result in profound and prolonged antisialagogue effect which may be unpleasant for the patient.

Intra-operative use:

Adults and Elderly: A single dose of 200 to 400 micrograms (0.2 to 0.4mg) by intravenous injection should be used. Alternatively, a single dose of 4 to 5 micrograms/kg (0.004 to 0.005mg/kg) up to a maximum of 400 micrograms (0.4mg) may be used. This dose may be repeated if necessary.

Paediatric population: A single dose of 200 micrograms (0.2mg) by intravenous injection should be used. Alternatively, a single dose of 4 to 8 micrograms/kg (0.004 to 0.008mg/kg) up to a maximum of 200 micrograms (0.2mg) may be used. This dose may be repeated if necessary.

Reversal of residual non-depolarising neuromuscular block:

Adult and elderly:

200 micrograms (0.2mg) intravenously per 1000 micrograms (1mg) neostigmine or the equivalent dose of pyridostigmine. Alternatively, a dose of 10 to 15 micrograms/kg (0.01 to 0.015mg/kg) intravenously with 50 micrograms/kg (0.05mg/kg) neostigmine or equivalent dose of pyridostigmine. Glycopyrronium Bromide Injection may be administered simultaneously from the same syringe with the anticholinesterase as there are greater cardiovascular stability results from this method of administration.

Paediatric population:

10 micrograms/kg (0.01mg/kg) intravenously with 50 micrograms/kg (0.05mg/kg) neostigmine or equivalent dose of pyridostigmine.

Glycopyrronium Bromide Injection may be administered simultaneously from the same syringe with the anticholinesterase as there are greater cardiovascular stability results from this method of administration.

Method of administration:

Glycopyrrolate Injection is for intravenous or intramuscular injection.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Glycopyrronium Bromide or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

In common with other antimuscarinic drugs caution is advised in patients with prostatic hypertrophy, paralytic ileus, pyloric stenosis and closed angle

glaucoma. Quaternary ammonium compounds in large dose have been shown to block the nicotinic muscle end plate receptors. This must be evaluated prior

to its administration in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Anticholinesterase-antimuscarinic combinations such as neostigmine plus glycopyrronium should be avoided in patients with a prolonged QT interval.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Antimuscarinics should be used with caution (due to increased risk of side effects) in Down's syndrome, in children and in the elderly.

Extreme caution is advised in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, acute myocardial infarction, thyrotoxicosis, coronary artery disease, cardiac dysarythmias, hypertension, congestive heart failure, conditions characterised by tachycardia (including hyperthyroidism, cardiac insufficiency, cardiac surgery) because of the increase in heart rate produced by their administration, coronary artery disease and cardiac arrhythmias, pyrexia (due to inhibition of sweating), pregnancy and breast feeding. As Glycopyrronium Bromide inhibits sweating, patients with increased temperature (especially children) should be observed closely.

Because of prolongation of renal elimination, repeated or large doses of Glycopyrronium Bromide should be avoided in patients with uraemia.

Anticholinergic drugs can cause ventricular arrhythmias when administered during inhalation anaesthesia especially in association with the halogenated hydrocarbons.

Unlike atropine, glycopyrronium bromide is a quaternary ammonium compound and does not cross the blood-brain barrier. It is therefore less likely to cause postoperative confusion which is a particular concern in the elderly patients. Compared to atropine, glycopyrronium has reduced cardiovascular and ocular effects.

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23mg) per dose, i.e. essentially ‘sodium free’.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Many drugs have antimuscarinic effects; concomitant use of two or more of such drugs can increase side-effects such as dry mouth, urine retention and constipation. Concomitant use can also lead to confusion in the elderly.

Anticholinergic agents may delay absorption of other medication given concomitantly.

Concurrent administration of anticholinergics and corticosteroids may result in increased intraocular pressure.

Concurrent use of anticholinergic agents with slow-dissolving tablets of digoxin may cause increased serum digoxin levels.

Ritodrine: tachycardia

There is increased risk of antimuscarinic side effects in patients taking drugs with antimuscarinic effects such as MAOIs, amantadine, clozapine, tricyclic

antidepressants, disopyramaide, antihistamines, pethidine, phenothiazines

(increased antimuscarinic side effects of phenothiazines but reduced plasma concentrations) and nefopam.

Domperidone/Metoclopramide: antagonism of effect on gastro-intestinal activity Ketoconazole: reduced absorption of ketoconazole.

Levodopa: absorption of levodopa possibly reduced.

Memantine: effects possibly enhanced by memantine.

Nitrates: possibly reduced effect of sublingual nitrates (failure to dissolve under the tongue owing to dry mouth).

≥ ≥ ≥

Parasympathomimetics: antagonism of effect.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy:

For use as indicated, animal studies are of very limited relevance (see section

5.3). Use in human pregnancy has not been systematically evaluated. This product should only be used in pregnancy if considered essential.

Breast-feeding:

May reach breast milk but in amounts probably too small to be harmful.

Caution is advised when considering administration to a nursing mother.

Fertility

There is no data on the effects of glycopyrronium bromide on male or female fertility. For non-clinical studies please refer to section 5.3.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Glycopyrronium Bromide has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. However, systemic administration of antimuscarinics may cause blurred vision, dizziness and other effects that may impair a patient's ability to perform skilled tasks such as driving. These activities should not be undertaken until any disturbance of visual accommodation or balance has resolved. Do not operate or drive heavy machinery unless the drug has been shown not to interfere with mental or physical ability.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Adverse reactions listed by System Organ Class. Frequencies are defined using the following convention: very common: (>1/10); common (1/100, <1/10); uncommon (1/1,000, <1/100); rare (1/10,000, <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); Not known: cannot be estimated from the available data

Tabulated list of adverse reactions:

System organ classAdverse reactionFrequency
Immune system disordersHypersensitivity, AngioedemaNot known
Eye disordersAccommodation disorderNot known
Cardiac disordersTachycardia, PalpitationsNot known
Gastrointestinal disordersDry mouthNot known
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersAnhidrosisNot known
Renal and urinary disordersMicturition disorderNot known

Other side effects of anti-muscarinics include-

System organ classAdverse reactionFrequency
Nervous system disordersConfusion*, DizzinessNot known
Eye disorders

Angle closure glaucoma, Accommodation

disorder,

Photophobia

Very rare
Cardiac disordersBradycardia**Not known
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disordersBronchial secretion retentionNot known
Gastrointestinal disorders

Constipation, Nausea,

Vomiting

Not known
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersFlushing, Dry skinNot known
Renal and urinary disordersMicturition urgency, Urinary retentionNot known

*Particularly in the elderly

** Followed by tachycardia, palpitation and arrhythmias

However, the use of Glycopyrronium Injection as a preoperative anticholinergic is associated with less effect on the cardiovascular system compared to atropine.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms

Since glycopyrronium is a quaternary ammonium agent, symptoms of overdosage are peripheral rather than central in nature.

Management

To combat the peripheral anticholinergic effects, a quaternary ammonium anticholinesterase such as neostigmine methylsulfate may be given in a dose of 1000 micrograms (1.0mg) for each 1000 micrograms (1.0mg) of Glycopyrronium Bromide known to have been administered by the parenteral route.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Quaternary ammonium antimuscarinic

ATC Code: A03AB02

Mechanism of action:

Glycopyrronium bromide is a quaternary ammonium antimuscarinic agent and like other anticholinergic agents, it inhibits the action of acetylcholine on structures innervated by postganglionic cholinergic nerves and on smooth muscles that respond to acetylcholine but lack cholinergic innervation. These peripheral cholinergic receptors are present in the autonomic effector cells of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, the sinoatrial node, the atrioventricular node, exocrine glands and to a limited degree in the autonomic ganglia. Thus it diminishes the volume and free acidity of gastric secretions and controls excessive pharyngeal, tracheal and bronchial secretions.

Glycopyrronium bromide antagonizes muscarinic symptoms (e.g. bronchorrhea, bronchospasm, bradycardia and intestinal hypermotility) induced by cholinergic drugs such as the anticholinesterases.

The highly polar quaternary ammonium group of glycopyrronium bromide limits its passage across lipid membranes, such as the blood-brain barrier, in contrast to atropine sulphate and scopolamine hydrobromide, which are non-polar tertiary amines which penetrate lipid barriers easily.

Glycopyrronium Injection has been used successfully as an adjunct to reversal by neostigmine when atropine has been used as the preoperative anticholinergic. The use of Glycopyrronium Injection as an adjunct to reversal by neostigmine of non-depolarising muscle relaxants is associated with less initial tachycardia and better protection against the cholinergic effects of neostigmine compared to reversal with a mixture of neostigmine and atropine.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

With intravenous injection, the onset of action is generally evident within one minute. Peak effects occur approximately 30 to 45 minutes after intramuscular administration. The vagal blocking effects persist for 2 to 3 hours and the antisialagogue effects persist up to 7 hours, periods longer than for atropine.

Elimination

Glycopyrronium bromide is rapidly diminished and/or excreted after intravenous administration. The terminal elimination phase is relatively slow with quantifiable levels remaining up to 8 hours after administration.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Safety Pharmacology

Acute toxicity of Glycopyrronium bromide was studied in mice and rats. Following intraperitoneal administration, the LD50 was estimated to be 107 mg/kg in mice and 196 mg/kg in rats. Following oral dosing, the LD50 was estimated to be 1150 mg/kg in rats. Chronic oral administration doses of 4, 16, and 64 mg/kg for up to 27 weeks in dogs produced mydriasis, cycloplegia, xerostomia, emesis, occasional lacrimation, injection of sclera and rhinorrhea.

There were no changes in organ weight and histopathology showed no drug related changes. Safety in human pregnancy and lactation has not been

established.

Teratogenicity

Although reproduction studies in rats and rabbits revealed no teratogenic effects from glycopyrrolate.

Toxicity to reproduction and development

Diminished rates of conception and of survival at weaning were observed in rats, in a dose-related manner. Studies in dogs suggest that this may be due to diminished seminal secretion which is evident at high doses of glycopyrrolate.

The significance of this for man is not clear.

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Sodium Chloride

Hydrochloric Acid

Water for Injections

6.2 Incompatibilities

Glycopyrronium Bromide Injection has been shown to be physically incompatible with the following agents commonly used in anaesthetic practice: Butorphanol, Lorazepam, Droperidol and Fentanyl Citrate, Levorphanol Tartrate, Pethidine Hydrochloride, Morphine Sulphate, Neostigmine, Promethazine and Pyridostigmine.

Glycopyrronium Injection has been shown to be physically incompatible with the following agents commonly used in anaesthetic practice: Diazepam, Dimenhydrinate, Methohexitone Sodium, Pentazocine, Pentobarbitone Sodium, Thiopentone Sodium.

6.3 Shelf life

2 years

Once opened, use immediately and discard any remaining contents.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Protect from light.

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

Glycopyrronium Injection 1ml and 3ml is presented in clear Open Point Cut (OPC) type I glass ampoules.

Pack size: 10 and 5 ampoules

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

For single use only. Discard any remaining contents after use.

No special requirements for disposal.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

DAWA Limited

5 Sandridge Close

Harrow

Middlesex

HA1 1XD

United Kingdom

8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 30684/0187

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE

AUTHORISATION

12/09/2024

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

12/09/2024

About this document

Source: MHRA - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (products.mhra.gov.uk) · Marketing authorisation: PL 30684/0187

Last revision stated in the text: 12 September 2024 · MHRA data as of 13 October 2026

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The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Facts about Glycopyrronium Bromide 200 micrograms / ml solution for injection

Active substance Glycopyrronium bromide
Strength 200 micrograms / ml
Pharmaceutical form Clear, colourless sterile solution for injection
Excipients Sodium Chloride, Hydrochloric Acid, Water for Injections
Shelf life 2 years
Once opened, use immediately and discard any remaining contents.
Storage Protect from light.
Store below 25°C.
Drug group (ATC) Quaternary ammonium antimuscarinic
Marketing authorisation PL 30684/0187 (first authorised 12 September 2024)
Marketing authorisation holder DAWA Limited

Sources: the MHRA product information (products.mhra.gov.uk) and the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d), release 10.2.0 of 19 October 2026, NHS Business Services Authority. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.