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GLYRX-PF
(glycopyrrolate) Injection
GLYRX-PF is a synthetic anticholinergic agent. It is intended for intramuscular or intravenous administration. Each 1 mL contains 0.2 mg of glycopyrrolate, water for injection, sodium chloride as a tonicity agent, and hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide as pH adjusters. GLYRX-PF is preservative free.
Glycopyrrolate is a quaternary ammonium salt with the following chemical name: (RS)-[3-(SR)Hydroxy- 1,1-dimethylpyrrolidinium bromide] a-cyclopentylmandelate The molecular formula is C19H28BrNO3 and the molecular weight is 398.33.
Its structural formula is as follows:
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Glycopyrrolate occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and alcohol, and practically insoluble in chloroform and ether. It is completely ionized at physiological pH values. GLYRX-PF is a clear, colorless, sterile liquid with a pH of 2.0 – 3.0. The partition coefficient of Glycopyrrolate in n-octanol/water system is 0.304 (log10 P = -1.52) at ambient room temperature (24°C).
The recommended dose of GLYRX-PF is 0.004 mg/kg by intramuscular injection, given 30 to 60 minutes prior to the anticipated time of induction of anesthesia or at the time the preanesthetic narcotic and/or sedative are administered.
GLYRX-PF may be used during surgery to counteract drug-induced or vagal reflexes and their associated arrhythmias (e.g., bradycardia). It should be administered intravenously as single doses of 0.1 mg and repeated, as needed, at intervals of 2 to 3 minutes. Attempt to determine the etiology of the arrhythmia, and perform the surgical or anesthetic manipulations necessary to correct parasympathetic imbalance.
The recommended dose of GLYRX-PF is 0.2 mg for each 1 mg of neostigmine or 5 mg of pyridostigmine. In order to minimize cardiac side effects, the drugs may be administered simultaneously by intravenous injection and may be mixed in the same syringe.
The usual recommended dose of GLYRX-PF is 0.1 mg administered at 4-hour intervals, 3 or 4 times daily, intravenously or intramuscularly. Where more profound effect is required, 0.2 mg may be given. Some patients may need only a single dose. Frequency of administration should be dictated by patient response up to a maximum of four times daily.
The recommended dose of GLYRX-PF in pediatric patients is 0.004 mg/kg intramuscularly, given 30 to 60 minutes prior to the anticipated time of induction of anesthesia or at the time the preanesthetic narcotic and/or sedative are administered. Patients under 2 years of age, may require up to 0.009 mg/kg.
Because of the long duration of action of GLYRX-PF if used as preanesthetic medication, additional GLYRX-PF for anticholinergic effect intraoperatively is rarely needed; in the event it is required, the recommended pediatric dose is 0.004 mg/kg intravenously, not to exceed 0.1 mg in a single dose, which may be repeated, as needed, at intervals of 2 to 3 minutes. Attempt to determine the etiology of the arrhythmia, and perform the surgical or anesthetic manipulations necessary to correct parasympathetic imbalance.
The recommended pediatric dose of GLYRX-PF is 0.2 mg for each 1 mg of neostigmine or 5 mg of pyridostigmine. In order to minimize the appearance of cardiac side effects, the drugs may be administered simultaneously by intravenous injection and may be mixed in the same syringe.
GLYRX-PF is not indicated for the treatment of peptic ulcer in pediatric patients.
Dextrose 5% and 10% in water, or saline, dextrose 5% in sodium chloride 0.45%, sodium chloride 0.9%, and Ringer’s Injection.
Lactated Ringer’s solution.
Physical Compatibility
This list does not constitute an endorsement of the clinical utility or safety of co-administration of glycopyrrolate with these drugs. GLYRX-PF is compatible for mixing and injection with the following injectable dosage forms: atropine sulfate, USP; physostigmine salicylate; diphenhydramine HCl; codeine phosphate, USP; benz-quinamide HCl; hydromorphone HCl, USP; droperidol; levorphanol tartrate; lidocaine, USP; meperidine HCl, USP; pyridostigmine bromide; morphine sulfate, USP; nalbuphine HCl; oxymorphone HCl; procaine HCl, USP; promethazine HCl, USP; neostigmine methylsulfate, USP; scopolamine HBr, USP; butorphanol tartrate; fentanyl citrate; trimethobenzamide HCl; and hydroxyzine HCl. GLYRX-PF may be administered via the tubing of a running infusion of normal saline.
Physical Incompatibility
Because the stability of glycopyrrolate is questionable above a pH of 6.0 do not combine GLYRXPF in the same syringe with methohexital Na, chloramphenicol Na succinate, dimenhydrinate, pentobarbital Na, thiopental Na, secobarbital Na, sodium bicarbonate, diazepam, dexamethasone Na phosphate, or pentazocine lactate. These mixtures will result in a pH higher than 6.0 and may result in gas production or precipitation.
GLYRX-PF (glycopyrrolate injection), 0.2 mg/mL, is a clear, colorless, solution for injection available as 0.2 mg/mL glycopyrrolate in 1 mL or 2 mL single-dose vials.
GLYRX-PF (glycopyrrolate injection), 0.2 mg/mL, is available in:
1 mL single-dose (0.2 mg/mL) vials packaged in 25s (NDC 51754-6000-4)
2 mL single-dose (0.4 mg/2 mL) vials packaged in 25s (NDC 51754-6001-4)
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Manufactured by: Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC, Lenoir, NC 28645. Revised: July 2018
The following adverse reactions were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Adverse reactions to anticholinergics include xerostomia (dry mouth); urinary hesitancy and retention; blurred vision and photophobia due to mydriasis (dilation of the pupil); cycloplegia; increased ocular tension; tachycardia; palpitation; decreased sweating; loss of taste; headache; nervousness; drowsiness; weakness; dizziness; insomnia; nausea; vomiting; impotence; suppression of lactation; constipation; bloated feeling; severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions; hypersensitivity; urticaria, pruritus, dry skin, and other dermal manifestations; some degree of mental confusion and/or excitement, especially in elderly persons.
The following adverse reactions have been reported from post-marketing experience with glycopyrrolate: malignant hyperthermia; cardiac arrhythmias (including bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation); cardiac arrest; hypertension; hypotension; seizures; and respiratory arrest. Post-marketing reports have included cases of heart block and QTc interval prolongation associated with the combined use of glycopyrrolate and an anticholinesterase. Injection site reactions including pruritus, edema, erythema, and pain have also been reported.
The concurrent use of GLYRX-PF with other anticholinergics or medications with anticholinergic activity, such as phenothiazines, antiparkinson drugs, or tricyclic antidepressants, may intensify the antimuscarinic effects and result in an increase in anticholinergic side effects.
Concomitant administration of GLYRX-PF and potassium chloride in a wax matrix may increase the severity of potassium chloride-induced gastrointestinal lesions as a result of a slower gastrointestinal transit time.
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Glycopyrrolate may cause mydriasis and increase intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Advise patients with glaucoma to promptly seek medical care in the event that they experience symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma (pain and reddening of the eyes, accompanied by dilated pupils).
GLYRX-PF may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Warn patients not to participate in activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating a motor vehicle or other machinery, or performing hazardous work, until these issues resolve.
In the presence of fever, high environmental temperature, and/or during physical exercise, heat prostration can occur with use of anticholinergic agents including GLYRX-PF (due to decreased sweating), particularly in children and the elderly. Advise patients to avoid exertion and high environmental temperature after receiving GLYRX-PF.
Diarrhea may be an early symptom of incomplete intestinal obstruction, especially in patients with ileostomy or colostomy. In this instance treatment with GLYRX-PF is inappropriate and possibly harmful. Avoid use in patients with these conditions.
Investigate any tachycardia before giving GLYRX-PF because an increase in the heart rate may occur. Use with caution in patients with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, or hyperthyroidism.
Renal elimination of glycopyrrolate may be severely impaired in patients with renal failure. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in this population [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Use GLYRX-PF with caution in the elderly and in all patients with autonomic neuropathy, hepatic disease, ulcerative colitis, prostatic hypertrophy, or hiatal hernia, because anticholinergic drugs may aggravate these conditions. Consider dose reduction and closely monitor the elderly and patients with autonomic neuropathy, hepatic disease, ulcerative colitis, prostatic hypertrophy, or hiatal hernia.
The use of anticholinergic drugs, including GLYRX-PF, in the treatment of peptic ulcer may produce a delay in gastric emptying/gastric stasis. Monitor patients for symptoms such as vomiting, dyspepsia, early satiety, abdominal distention, and increased abdominal pain. Discontinue GLYRX-PF treatment if these symptoms develop or worsen on treatment.
Patients may experience sensitivity of the eyes to light. Advise patients to protect their eyes from light after receiving GLYRX-PF.
Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential.
Studies to evaluate the mutagenic potential of glycopyrrolate have not been conducted.
In reproduction studies in rats, dietary administration of glycopyrrolate resulted in diminished rates of conception in a dose-related manner. Other studies in dogs suggest that this may be due to diminished seminal secretion which is evident at high doses of glycopyrrolate.
Limited data available with glycopyrrolate use during pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk of birth defects and miscarriage, however, most of the reported exposures occurred after the first trimester. Most of the available data are based on studies with exposures that occurred at the time of Cesarean-section delivery, and these studies have not identified an adverse effect on maternal outcomes or infant Apgar scores (see Data).
In animal reproduction studies in pregnant rats and rabbits administered glycopyrrolate orally (rats) and intramuscularly (rabbits) during the period of organogenesis, no teratogenic effects were seen at 640-times and 10-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 1 mg (on a mg/m2 basis), respectively (see Data).
The estimated background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15−20%, respectively.
Human Data
Published, randomized, controlled trials over several decades, which compared the use of glycopyrrolate to another antimuscarinic agent in pregnant women during Cesarean section, have not identified adverse maternal or infant outcomes. In normal doses (0.004 mg/kg), glycopyrrolate does not appear to affect fetal heart rate or fetal heart rate variability to a significant degree. Concentrations of glycopyrrolate in umbilical venous and arterial blood and in the amniotic fluid are low after intramuscular administration to parturients. Therefore, glycopyrrolate does not appear to penetrate through the placental barrier in significant amounts.
There are no studies on the safety of glycopyrrolate exposure during the period of organogenesis, and therefore, it is not possible to draw any conclusions on the risk of birth defects following exposure to glycopyrrolate during pregnancy. In addition, there are no data on the risk of miscarriage following fetal exposure to glycopyrrolate.
Animal Data
Reproduction studies with glycopyrrolate were performed in rats at a dietary dose of approximately 65 mg/kg/day (exposure was approximately 640 times the maximum recommended daily human dose of 1 mg on a mg/m2 basis) and rabbits at intramuscular doses of up to 0.5 mg/kg/day (exposure was approximately 10 times the maximum recommended daily human dose on a mg/m2 basis). These studies produced no teratogenic effects to the fetus.
A preclinical study on reproductive performance of rats given glycopyrrolate resulted in a decreased rate of conception and survival at weaning.
There are no data on the presence of glycopyrrolate in either human milk or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. As with other anticholinergics, glycopyrrolate may cause suppression of lactation [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The developmental and health benefits of breast feeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Glycopyrrolate Injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Glycopyrrolate Injection or from the underlying maternal condition.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established for the management of peptic ulcer.
Dysrhythmias associated with the use of glycopyrrolate intravenously as a premedicant or during anesthesia have been observed in pediatric patients.
Infants, patients with Down’s syndrome, and pediatric patients with spastic paralysis or brain damage may experience an increased response to anticholinergics, thus increasing the potential for side effects.
A paradoxical reaction characterized by hyperexcitability may occur in pediatric patients receiving large doses of anticholinergics including GLYRX-PF. Infants and young children are especially susceptible to the toxic effects of anticholinergics.
Clinical Studies of GLYRX-PF did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other therapy.
Renal elimination of glycopyrrolate may be severely impaired in patients with renal failure. Dosage adjustments may be necessary [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
To combat peripheral anticholinergic effects, a quaternary ammonium anticholinesterase such as neostigmine methylsulfate (which does not cross the blood-brain barrier) may be given intravenously in increments of 0.25 mg in adults. This dosage may be repeated every five to ten minutes until anticholinergic overactivity is reversed or up to a maximum of 2.5 mg. Proportionately smaller doses should be used in pediatric patients. Indication for repetitive doses of neostigmine should be based on close monitoring of the decrease in heart rate and the return of bowel sounds.
If CNS symptoms (e.g., excitement, restlessness, convulsions, psychotic behavior) occur, physostigmine (which does cross the blood–brain barrier) may be used. Physostigmine 0.5 to 2 mg should be slowly administered intravenously and repeated as necessary up to a total of 5 mg in adults. Proportionately smaller doses should be used in pediatric patients.
To combat hypotension, administer IV fluids and/or pressor agents along with supportive care. Fever should be treated symptomatically.
Following overdosage, a curare-like action may occur, i.e., neuromuscular blockade leading to muscular weakness and possible paralysis. In the event of a curare-like effect on respiratory muscles, artificial respiration should be instituted and maintained until effective respiratory action returns.
Glycopyrrolate, like other anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agents, inhibits the action of acetylcholine on structures innervated by postganglionic cholinergic nerves and on smooth muscles that respond to acetylcholine but lack cholinergic innervation. These peripheral cholinergic receptors are present in the autonomic effector cells of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, the sinoatrial node, the atrioventricular node, exocrine glands and, to a limited degree, in the autonomic ganglia. Thus, it diminishes the volume and free acidity of gastric secretions and controls excessive pharyngeal, tracheal, and bronchial secretions.
Glycopyrrolate antagonizes muscarinic symptoms (e.g., bronchorrhea, bronchospasm, bradycardia, and intestinal hypermotility) induced by cholinergic drugs such as the anticholinesterases. The highly polar quaternary ammonium group of glycopyrrolate limits its passage across lipid membranes, such as the blood-brain barrier, in contrast to atropine sulfate and scopolamine hydrobromide, which are highly non-polar tertiary amines which penetrate lipid barriers easily. For this reason, the occurrence of CNS-related side effects is lower, in comparison to their incidence following administration of anticholinergics which are chemically tertiary amines that can cross this barrier readily. With intravenous injection, the onset of action is generally evident within one minute. Following intramuscular administration, the onset of action is noted in 15 to 30 minutes, with peak effects occurring within approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The vagal blocking effects persist for 2 to 3 hours and the antisialagogue effects persist up to 7 hours, periods longer than for atropine.
The following pharmacokinetic information and conclusions were obtained from published studies that used nonspecific assay methods.
The mean volume of distribution of glycopyrrolate was estimated to be 0.42 ± 0.22 L/kg.
Metabolism
The in vivo metabolism of glycopyrrolate in humans has not been studied.
Excretion
The mean clearance and mean t1/2 values were reported to be 0.54 ± 0.14 L/kg/hr and 0.83 ± 0.27 hr, respectively post IV administration. After IV administration of a 0.2 mg radiolabeled glycopyrrolate, 85% of dose recovered was recovered in urine 48 hours post dose and some of the radioactivity was also recovered in bile. After IM administration of glycopyrrolate to adults, the mean t1/2 value is reported to be between 0.55 to 1.25 hrs. Over 80% of IM dose administered was recovered in urine and the bile as unchanged drug and half the IM dose is excreted within 3 hrs. The following table summarizes the mean and standard deviation of pharmacokinetic parameters from a study.
| Group | t1/2 | Vss | CL | Tmax | Cmax | AUC |
| (hr) | (L/kg) | (L/kg/hr) | (min) | (μg/L) | (μg/L•hr) | |
| (6 μg/kg IV) | 0.83 ± 0.27 | 0.42 ± 0.22 | 0.54 ± 0.14 | - | - | 8.64 ± 1.49* |
| (8 μg/kg IM) | - | - | - | 27.48 ± 6.12 | 3.47 ± 1.48 | 6.64 ± 2.33* |
| * 0-8 hr | ||||||
Following IV administration (5 μg/kg glycopyrrolate) to infants and children, the mean t1/2 values were reported to be between 21.6 and 130.0 minutes and between 19.2 and 99.2 minutes, respectively.
In one study Glycopyrrolate was administered IV in uremic patients undergoing renal transplantation. The mean elimination half-life was significantly longer (46.8 minutes) than in healthy patients (18.6 minutes). The mean area-under-the-concentration-time curve (10.6 hr-μg/L), mean plasma clearance (0.43 L/hr/kg), and mean 3-hour urine excretion (0.7%) for Glycopyrrolate were also significantly different than those of controls (3.73 hr-μg/L, 1.14 L/hr/kg, and 50%, respectively). These results suggest that the elimination of glycopyrrolate is severely impaired in patients with renal failure.
Inform patients that GLYRX-PF may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Warn patients not to operate a motor vehicle or other machinery or perform hazardous work until these issues resolve [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that in the presence of fever, high environmental temperature and/or during physical exercise, heat prostration can occur with use of anticholinergic agents, including GLYRX-PF (due to decreased sweating), particularly in children and the elderly. Advise patients to avoid exertion and high environmental temperature after receiving GLYRX-PF [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that glycopyrrolate injection may cause sensitivity of the eyes to light and to protect their eyes from light after receiving GLYRX-PF [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that GLYRX-PF may interact with other drugs. Advise patients to report to their healthcare provider the use of any other medication [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
