Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the use of glycopyrrolate during breastfeeding. Because glycopyrrolate is a quaternary ammonium compound, it is not likely to be absorbed and reach the bloodstream of the infant, especially when given by inhalation or topically on the skin.[1-3] Long-term oral use of glycopyrrolate might reduce milk production or milk letdown, but a single dose is unlikely to interfere with breastfeeding. During long-term use, observe for signs of decreased lactation such as poor weight gain.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals, apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[4-8] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[9] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

References

1.

Hale TW. Anesthetic medications in breastfeeding mothers. J Hum Lact. 1999;15:185–94. [PubMed: 10578796]

2.

Lee JJ, Rubin AP. Breast feeding and anaesthesia. Anaesthesia. 1993;48:616–25. [PubMed: 8346780]

3.

Dalal PG, Bosak J, Berlin C. Safety of the breast-feeding infant after maternal anesthesia. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24:359–71. [PubMed: 24372776]

4.

Powell MR, Keisler DH. A potential strategy for decreasing milk production in the ewe at weaning using a growth hormone release blocker. J Anim Sci. 1995;73:1901–5. [PubMed: 7592071]

5.

Aaron DK, Ely DG, Deweese WP, et al. Reducing milk production in ewes at weaning using restricted feeding and methscopolamine bromide. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1434–42. [PubMed: 9250502]

6.

Daniel JA, Thomas MG, Powell MR, et al. Methscopolamine bromide blocks hypothalmic-stimulated release of growth hormone in ewes. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1359–62. [PubMed: 9159285]

7.

Bizzarro A, Iannucci F, Tolino A, et al. Inhibiting effect of atropine on prolactin blood levels after stimulation with TRH. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1980;7:108–11. [PubMed: 6788407]

8.

Svennersten K, Nelson L, Juvnäs-Moberg K. Atropinization decreases oxytocin secretion in dairy cows. Acta Physiol Scand. 1992;145:193–4. [PubMed: 1636447]

9.

Masala A, Alagna S, Devilla L, et al. Muscarinic receptor blockade by pirenzepine: Effect on prolactin secretion in man. J Endocrinol Invest. 1982;5:53–5. [PubMed: 6808052]

Substance Name

Glycopyrrolate

CAS Registry Number

596-51-0

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Adjuvants, Anesthesia

Bronchodilator Agents

Muscarinic Antagonists

Parasympatholytics