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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
1

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

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →