"GLYE-koe-PIR-oh-late"
Glycopyrrolate is a long-term medication used to treat ongoing lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It must be used regularly to reduce and prevent symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. This may decrease time lost from work due to COPD. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily.
Glycopyrrolate does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. If wheezing or sudden shortness of breath occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using glycopyrrolate and each time you get a refill. This medication is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Learn how to prepare, use, and care for the nebulizer properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.
This product should be clear and colorless. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Inhale this medication into your lungs using the nebulizer as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening). Avoid getting this medication into your eyes. It may cause eye pain/irritation, temporary blurred vision, and other vision changes. Each treatment usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Use this medication only with the nebulizer. Do not swallow or inject the solution. Clean the nebulizer parts after every use according to the manufacturer's directions.
If you are using other inhaled medications at the same time, wait at least one minute between the use of each medication.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often than directed.
Learn which of your inhalers/medications you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
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