Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate)
Also known as: Robinul
This medication is typically administered by a veterinarian in a clinic or hospital setting during anesthesia or surgery. It is used to safely manage your pet's heart rate and reduce excessive saliva and airway secretions while they are under anesthesia.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Tachycardia
- Ventricular arrhythmias
- Thickened, sticky airway secretions
- Paradoxical bradycardia (at very low IV doses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Concurrent use with alpha-2 adrenergic agonists is not recommended
- - **Paradoxical Bradycardia:** Administration of very low doses of glycopyrronium IV can cause exacerbation of bradyarrhythmias due to a vagal stimulatory effect. Giving another dose IV will usually cause an increase in heart rate. - **Airway Secretions:** Decreases the water content of oral and bronchial secretions, making them more sticky. - **Opioid Bradycardia:** It is better to monitor heart rate and give glycopyrronium to manage a low heart rate only if necessary, rather than as a routine premedication.
Drug interactions
- Barbiturates (alkaline drugs): In vitro incompatibility; a precipitate may form if mixed together
- Sympathomimetics: Antimuscarinics may enhance the actions of sympathomimetics
- Thiazide diuretics: Antimuscarinics may enhance the actions of thiazide diuretics
- Antihistamines: May enhance the anticholinergic activity of glycopyrronium
- Pethidine: May enhance the anticholinergic activity of glycopyrronium
- Benzodiazepines: May enhance the anticholinergic activity of glycopyrronium
- Phenothiazines: May enhance the anticholinergic activity of glycopyrronium
- Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists: Combining glycopyrronium and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists is not recommended due to conflicting cardiovascular effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate) used for in pets?
This medication is typically administered by a veterinarian in a clinic or hospital setting during anesthesia or surgery. It is used to safely manage your pet's heart rate and reduce excessive saliva and airway secretions while they are under anesthesia.
Is Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate) safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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