A synthetic quaternary ammonium that is an anticholinergic agent with antispasmodic activity. Glycopyrrolate competitively binds to peripheral muscarinic receptors in the autonomic effector cells of, and inhibits cholinergic transmission in smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, the sinoatrial (SA) node, the atrioventricular (AV) node, exocrine glands and in the autonomic ganglia. Blockage of cholinergic transmission, in smooth muscle cells located in the gastrointestinal tract and the bladder, causes smooth muscle relaxation and prevents the occurrence of painful spasms. In addition, glycopyrrolate inhibits the release of gastric, pharyngeal, tracheal, and bronchial secretions.
Originator: NCI Thesaurus | Source: The website of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov)
Can I take Glycopyrrolate while breastfeeding?
No information is available on the use of glycopyrrolate during breastfeeding. Because glycopyrrolate is a quaternary ammonium compound, it is not likely to be absorbed and reach the bloodstream of the infant.[1][2] Long-term use of glycopyrrolate might reduce milk production or milk letdown, but a single dose is unlikely to interfere with breastfeeding. During long-term use, observe for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain).
Drug levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in breastfed infants
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible effects on lactation
Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals, apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[3][4][5][6][7] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[8] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
References
1. Hale TW. Anesthetic medications in breastfeeding mothers. J Hum Lact. 1999 ;15:185-94. PMID: 10578796
2. Lee JJ, Rubin AP. Breast feeding and anaesthesia. Anaesthesia. 1993;48:616-25. PMID: 8346780
3. Aaron DK, Ely DG, Deweese WP et al. Reducing milk production in ewes at weaning using restricted feeding and methscopolamine bromide. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1434-42. PMID: 9250502
4. Powell MR, Keisler DH. A potential strategy for decreasing milk production in the ewe at weaning using a growth hormone release blocker. J Anim Sci. 1995;73:1901-5. PMID: 7592071
5. Daniel JA, Thomas MG, Powell MR, Keisler DH. Methscopolamine bromide blocks hypothalmic-stimulated release of growth hormone in ewes. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1359-62. PMID: 9159285
6. Bizzarro A, Iannucci F, Tolino A et al. Inhibiting effect of atropine on prolactin blood levels after stimulation with TRH. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1980;7:108-11. PMID: 6788407
7. Svennersten K, Nelson L, Juvnas-Moberg K. Atropinization decreases oxytocin secretion in dairy cows. Acta Physiol Scand. 1992;145:193-4. PMID: 1636447
8. Masala A, Alagna S, Devilla L et al. Muscarinic receptor blockade by pirenzepine: effect on prolactin secretion in man. J Endocrinol Invest. 1982;5:53-5. PMID: 6808052
Last Revision Date
20150310
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