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Glycopyrrolate

Prescription

Anticholinergic (parasympatholytic)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

4 available

Interactions

3 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Quaternary ammonium muscarinic receptor antagonist; blocks parasympathetic stimulation at muscarinic receptors, reducing salivation, bradycardia, and bronchial secretions without crossing the blood-brain barrier

At a glance

Class

Anticholinergic (parasympatholytic)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Pre-anesthetic antisialagogue, bradycardia treatment

Dose

5–20 mcg/kg

Route

IV, IM, SC

Frequency

Single pre-anesthetic dose; repeat PRN for bradycardia

Max dose

1 mg/dose; 2 mg/day

Duration: Single dose

🐈

Cat

Pre-anesthetic antisialagogue, bradycardia treatment

Dose

5–20 mcg/kg

Route

IV, IM, SC

Frequency

Single pre-anesthetic dose

Max dose

0.2 mg/dose; 0.4 mg/day

Duration: Single dose

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💉

Injectable solution — 1

Strength

0.2mg/mL

Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

GI obstruction
Decreases GI motility

Use with caution

Tachycardia
May worsen pre-existing tachycardia
Glaucoma
May increase intraocular pressure

Adverse effects

Common

Tachycardia

Dry mouth

Decreased GI motility

Serious

Severe tachycardia

Ileus

Urinary retention

Monitoring parameters

Heart rateSalivationGI motility

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 3

Metoclopramide

moderate

Glycopyrrolate (anticholinergic) antagonizes metoclopramide's prokinetic effect. Antiemetic D2 blockade of metoclopramide is preserved.

Management: Avoid combining if prokinetic effect is desired. If anticholinergic needed for bradycardia during procedure, metoclopramide prokinetic benefit will be lost.

Dexmedetomidine

moderate

Glycopyrrolate prevents or treats alpha-2 agonist-induced bradycardia. However, concurrent use may cause initial hypertension (alpha-2 vasoconstriction + tachycardia from anticholinergic).

Management: Use glycopyrrolate judiciously with alpha-2 agonists — treat symptomatic bradycardia rather than routine prophylaxis. Monitor blood pressure.

Neostigmine

moderate

Neostigmine reverses neuromuscular blockade but simultaneously causes muscarinic side effects (bradycardia, salivation, bronchospasm). Glycopyrrolate blocks these muscarinic effects without crossing BBB.

Management: Always co-administer glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg/kg IV) with neostigmine for NMB reversal. Give simultaneously — matched onset times.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Robinul-V

Various

Glycopyrrolate Injection

Various

India

Glycopyrolate

Neon Laboratories

Pyrolate

Samarth Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Glycopyrrolate?

Glycopyrrolate is a anticholinergic (parasympatholytic) used in pets. Quaternary ammonium muscarinic receptor antagonist; blocks parasympathetic stimulation at muscarinic receptors, reducing salivation, bradycardia, and bronchial secretions without crossing the blood-brain barrier

›What is Glycopyrrolate used for in pets?

Glycopyrrolate is used in veterinary medicine for: Pre-anesthetic antisialagogue, bradycardia treatment.

›What is the Glycopyrrolate dose for dogs?

For dogs, Glycopyrrolate is typically dosed as follows — Pre-anesthetic antisialagogue, bradycardia treatment: 5–20 mcg/kg IV/IM/SC Single pre-anesthetic dose; repeat PRN for bradycardia. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Glycopyrrolate dose for cats?

For cats, Glycopyrrolate is typically dosed as follows — Pre-anesthetic antisialagogue, bradycardia treatment: 5–20 mcg/kg IV/IM/SC Single pre-anesthetic dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Glycopyrrolate?

Common: Tachycardia, Dry mouth, Decreased GI motility. Serious (call your vet immediately): Severe tachycardia, Ileus, Urinary retention.

›Does Glycopyrrolate need a prescription?

Yes. Glycopyrrolate is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Glycopyrrolate not be used?

Do not use Glycopyrrolate if: GI obstruction.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database