The Sound of Evolution
Glycopyrrolate
Mechanism of action:
Glycopyrrolate is a quaternary ammonium antimuscarinic agent. Glycopyrrolate non-selectively antagonizes muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, mainly M₁-M₃, blocking the binding of acetylcholine to these receptors. This suppresses glandular secretion and smooth muscle contraction, thereby reducing salivary, bronchial, and gastrointestinal secretions.
Reference(s):
1. Haddad EB et al. (1999). Pharmacological characterization of the muscarinic receptor antagonist, glycopyrrolate, in human and guinea-pig airways. Br J Pharmacol.
2. Reid SM et al. (2020). Anticholinergic medications for reducing drooling in children with developmental disability. Dev Med Child Neurol.
3. Kirchertz R et al. (2019). A week of slow hearts: anaesthesia for eye surgery and shortage of glycopyrrolate. Minerva Anestesiol.