Glycopyrronium (Glycopyrrolate)
**Glycopyrronium** (also known as **glycopyrrolate**) is a potent anticholinergic and antisialagogue agent. It is primarily used in veterinary anesthesia to decrease oral and bronchial secretions, inhibit vagal efferent activity, and manage bradycardia caused by the administration of potent opioid drugs. It is also used alongside long-acting anticholinesterase drugs (e.g., neostigmine, pyridostigmine) to antagonize neuromuscular blockade. > **Clinical Warning:** Routine administration of glycopyrronium prior to anesthesia as part of premedication is no longer recommended. It reduces secretions by decreasing water content, which makes airway secretions more sticky and difficult to clear.
Mecanismo: Competitively blocks the action of **acetylcholine** at **muscarinic receptors** at the terminal ends of the parasympathetic nervous system → reverses parasympathetic effects (e.g., increases heart rate, reduces salivation). **Clinical Pearl:** Because of its quaternary ammonium structure, glycopyrronium cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it is devoid of central nervous system effects and does not cause central mydriasis, unlike atropine. It also has a longer duration of action compared to atropine.
Vías de administración
Contraindicaciones
- Concurrent use with alpha-2 adrenergic agonists is not recommended
Efectos adversos
- Tachycardia
- Ventricular arrhythmias
- Thickened, sticky airway secretions
- Paradoxical bradycardia (at very low IV doses)
Interacciones farmacológicas
- Barbiturates (alkaline drugs) · In vitro incompatibility; a precipitate may form if mixed together · major
- Sympathomimetics · Antimuscarinics may enhance the actions of sympathomimetics · moderate
- Thiazide diuretics · Antimuscarinics may enhance the actions of thiazide diuretics · moderate
- Antihistamines · May enhance the anticholinergic activity of glycopyrronium · moderate
- Pethidine · May enhance the anticholinergic activity of glycopyrronium · moderate
- Benzodiazepines · May enhance the anticholinergic activity of glycopyrronium · moderate
- Phenothiazines · May enhance the anticholinergic activity of glycopyrronium · moderate
- Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists · Combining glycopyrronium and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists is not recommended due to conflicting cardiovascular effects · major
Monitoreo
- Heart rate and rhythm (ECG)
- Respiratory rate and airway patency
Sobredosis
Tachycardias following an overdose of glycopyrronium are usually transient and do not require management. If severe ventricular arrhythmias occur, they may be treated with **lidocaine**.
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