Oral glycopyrrolate alleviates drooling in a patient with tongue cancer

J Pain Symptom Manage. 1999 Oct;18(4):300-2. doi: 10.1016/s0885-3924(99)00080-9.

Abstract

Although sialorrhea and drooling are uncommon symptoms in cancer patients, they can cause considerable discomfort, inconvenience and social embarrassment. In this article we describe a patient with tongue cancer who was successfully treated with oral glycopyrrolate 0.4 mg 3 times daily. Glycopyrrolate is a quaternary ammonium compound. In contrast to the recommended treatment with scopolamine, glycopyrrolate is virtually without side effects to the central nervous system because it penetrates the blood-brain barrier poorly. Glycopyrrolate has a slow and erratic absorption from the gastrointestinal system, but even low plasma levels are associated with a distinct and long-lasting antisialogic effect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Glycopyrrolate / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Sialorrhea / drug therapy*
  • Sialorrhea / etiology*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / complications*

Substances

  • Muscarinic Antagonists
  • Glycopyrrolate