The Basics
What is Glycopyrrolate?
Used to treat peptic ulcers in adults. It is also used to treat chronic, severe drooling caused by certain neurologic disorders.
Brand names for Glycopyrrolate
Cuvposa, Glycate, Robinul, Robinul Forte
How Glycopyrrolate is classified
Adjuvants, Anesthesia, Bronchodilator Agents, Muscarinic Antagonists, Parasympatholytics
Glycopyrrolate During Pregnancy
Glycopyrrolate pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Glycopyrrolate while pregnant
N/A
Taking Glycopyrrolate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Glycopyrrolate?
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][3] especially when given by inhalation or topically on the skin. Long-term oral 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).
Maternal / infant drug levels
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][3] especially when given by inhalation or topically on the skin. Long-term oral 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).
Possible effects of Glycopyrrolate on milk supply
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.[4][5][6][7][8] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[9] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Glycopyrrolate
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. 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. Dalal PG, Bosak J, Berlin C. Safety of the breast-feeding infant after maternal anesthesia. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24:359-71. PMID: 24372776
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. Svennersten K, Nelson L, Juvnas-Moberg K. Atropinization decreases oxytocin secretion in dairy cows. Acta Physiol Scand. 1992;145:193-4. PMID: 1636447
9. 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
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
