Comparison of the effects of atropine and glycopyrrolate on various end-organs

J R Soc Med. 1980 Oct;73(10):727-30.

Abstract

Atropine and glycopyrrolate (glycopyrronium bromide), a quaternary ammonium drug, were evaluated in volunteers following intramuscular administration with respect to effects on various end-organs with cholinergic innervation. Glycopyrrolate appears to be five to six times more potent than atropine in its antisialogogue effect and also exhibits a selective, though prolonged, effect on salivary secretion and sweat gland activity. It has minimal cardiovascular, ocular and central nervous system effects.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atropine / pharmacology*
  • Glycopyrrolate / pharmacology*
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Nerve Endings / drug effects*
  • Pupil / drug effects
  • Pyrrolidines / pharmacology*
  • Saliva / drug effects
  • Saliva / metabolism
  • Salivation / drug effects
  • Sweat Glands / drug effects

Substances

  • Pyrrolidines
  • Atropine
  • Glycopyrrolate