Glycopyrronium is a drug to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the form of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. This medication is used to control and prevent recurrence of symptoms, not to treat sudden attacks of shortness of breath.
Glycopyrronium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator. This drug works by blocking the effect of acetylcholine on the muscles of the respiratory tract, so that the airways can be more relaxed and widen. That way the air flow can be smoother and complaints can subside. In Indonesia, glycopyrronium is available in inhaler form.
Glycopyrronium trademark: Seebri Breezhaler, Ultibro Breezhaler
What is Glycopyrronium
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anticholinergic bronchodilators |
| Benefit | Relieves symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
| Used by | Mature |
| Glycopyrronium for pregnant and lactating women | Category N:Not categorized. It is not known whether glycopyrronium is absorbed into breast milk or not. Breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before using this drug. |
| Drug form | inhaler |
Precautions Before Using Glycopyrronium
Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use glycopyrronium if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had glaucoma, difficulty urinating, enlarged prostate, hypertension, intestinal obstruction, myasthenia gravis, constipation, heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, serious side effects, or an overdose after using
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Glycopyrronium
The general dose of using glycopyrronium in inhaler form for adults is 1 inhalation per day or the equivalent of 50 micrograms (mcg) of glycopyrronium.
How to Use Glycopyrronium Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the drug packaging label before using glycopyrronium. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Be careful when using this medicine, avoid exposure to glycopyrronium in the eyes, because it can cause eye irritation, blurred vision, or other visual disturbances. In case of accidental contact with eyes, rinse immediately with running water. If vision problems appear, immediately see a doctor for treatment.
If you are using another inhaler at the same time, wait at least 1 minute after taking glycopyrronium. Try to use glycopyrronium regularly for maximum treatment results. To help remember, take the medication at the same time each day.
Do not stop taking glycopyrronium even if you feel well, unless on advice from your doctor. Stopping glycopyrronium use can make symptoms worse.
Do not wash the inhaler with water. You can clean the inhaler with a clean, dry cloth.
If you forget to use glycopyrronium, use it immediately if the break with the next schedule of use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store glycopyrronium at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Glycopyrronium with Other Drugs
The following are some drug interactions that can occur when glycopyrronium is used in combination with other drugs:
- Increased risk of serious and fatal side effects when used with other anticholinergic drugs, such as ipratropium or tiotropium
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances when used with halothane gas
- Increased pressure inside the eyeball (intraocular) when used with corticosteroids
- Increased risk of developing hyperthermia when used with zinosamide or topiramate
Side Effects and Dangers of Glycopyrronium
Side effects that can occur after using glycopyrronium are:
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Hard to sleep
- Nauseous
- Warmth in the face, neck, or chest (flush)
- Joint pain or back pain
- dry mouth
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Unusual tired
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Painful eyes, dry eyes, red eyes, or blurred vision
- Pain or difficulty urinating
- Fever
- Constant nausea and vomiting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Constipation
- High body temperature or hyperthermia
