Name of the medicine:

Glycopyrronium bromide 200micrograms/1ml Solution for Injection, available as 200micrograms in 1ml ampoules or 600micrograms in 3ml ampoules. (FOR USE IN THE MOUTH ONLY).

What is it for?

Glycopyrronium bromide belongs to a group of medicines called “anti-cholinergics”. These medicines help to prevent the formation of secretions that can cause problems in your respiratory tract. Your respiratory tract is the part of your body involved with breathing. The secretions can build up if you are unable to clearyour own throat and can cause noisy breathing. This can be distressing. The solution in the ampoules can be given under your tongue from where it is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. This can be a useful way of giving a medicine when you are unable to swallow or when it is not possible to give the medicine by another route e.g. by injection.

Most medicines available in the UK have a licence for use. The licence describes the ways in which the medicine can be given and the conditions it can be used to treat. In order to get a licence, the manufacturer of the medicine has to show that it is safe and made to a high standard.

Use of glycopyrronium bromide under your tongue is outside its licence. Medicines used in palliative care are quite often used this way. There is experience and research to support the use of glycopyrronium bromide in this way. The person who prescribed your medicine will have considered carefully the benefits for you.

Information on this is not included in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine. We are giving you this extra leaflet to tell you about the reason(s) why you are taking this medicine and to highlight other information. This should be read along with the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet.

What form(s) of this medicine are there and how is it usually taken?

Glycopyrronium bromide comes in glass ampoules intended for injection (although you will be taking the solution BY MOUTH). The dose you need should be drawn up and measured in a syringe. Your health professional will show you how to do this.

Sometimes a needle is used to draw up the dose. If this happens, remove the needle before placing the dose in your mouth.

Moisten your mouth with water, before placing the measured dose under your tongue.

200micrograms (1ml) can be given up to every hour if needed, up to a maximum of 6 times a day.

What are the most common side effects I might experience?

Glycopyrronium bromide can also dry up other secretions in your body. You may experience a dry mouth or dry and gritty eyes. Other side effects may include blurred vision, confusion, agitation, dizziness, excessive drowsiness or difficulty in passing urine.

What other information should I know about this medicine?

Glycopyrronium bromide will help to prevent the respiratory secretions forming but will not have any effect on secretions which have already formed.

Your medication needs to be kept in a safe place out of the reach of children. It needs to be stored in the original container. Return unused medication to a pharmacy.

Any other important information?

As well as giving medicines, changing how you are sitting or lying down can sometimes help.

To prevent having an uncomfortable dry mouth, regular mouth care should be carried out. Teeth should be cleaned at least twice a day. Regular sips or sprays of water or artificial saliva preparations can be used.

Lips should also be moistened.

Dry eyes may be relieved by using lubricating eye drops, ointment or gels. Please ask your pharmacist for advice