Glycopyrronium Bromide 1 mg/5 ml Oral solution

Symptomatic treatment of severe sialorrhoea (chronic pathological drooling) in children and adolescents aged 3 years and older with chronic neurological disorders.

Posology

Glycopyrronium Bromide is recommended for short-term intermittent use (see section 4.4 and 5.1)

The dosage must be measured and administered with the graduated syringe included in the pack.

The dosing schedule for Glycopyrronium Bromide is based on the weight of the child with the initial dosing of 0.02 mg/kg to be given orally three times daily and titrate in increments of 0.02 mg/kg every 5-7 days based on therapeutic response and adverse reactions.

The maximum recommended dosage is 0.1 mg/kg three times daily not to exceed 1.5-3 mg per dose based upon weight. For greater detail, see Table 1.

During the four-week titration period, dosing can be increased with the recommended dose titration schedule while ensuring that the anticholinergic adverse events are tolerable. Prior to each increase in dose, review the tolerability of the current dose level with the patient's caregiver.

In the event of a known anticholinergic adverse event (AE) occurring when the dose is increased, the dose should be reduced to the previous lower dose and the event monitored. If the AE does not resolve treatment should be discontinued.

Younger children may be more susceptible to adverse events and this should be kept in mind when dose adjustments are carried out.

Table 1: Dosing tables for children and adolescents aged 3 years and older

Glycopyrronium Bromide is not recommended for use in children younger than 3 years.

Adult population

There is limited clinical evidence on the use of glycopyrronium in the adult population with pathological drooling.

Elderly population

Glycopyrronium Bromide is indicated for the paediatric population only. The elderly have a longer elimination half-life and reduced medicinal product clearance as well as limited data to support efficacy in short-term use. As such this medicine should not be used in patients over the age of 65 years.

Hepatic Impairment

Clinical studies have not been evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment. Glycopyrrolate is eliminated largely from the renal excretion and hepatic impairment is not thought to result in an increase in a systemic exposure of Glycopyrronium.

Renal impairment

Elimination of glycopyrronium is severely impaired in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (eGFR <90 - ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73m²) therefore doses should be reduced by 30% (see Table 2). This medicine is contraindicated in severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1. 73m²) (see section 4.3).

Table 2: Dosing table for children and adolescents with mild to moderate renal impairment

*refers to mg/kg glycopyrronium bromide

¹Maximum individual dose in this weight range

Administration with food

High fat food should be avoided. The presence of high fat food reduces the oral bioavailability of Glycopyrronium Bromide if given shortly after a meal. Therefore, it should be given at least one hour before or two hours after meals. If the patient's specific needs determine that co-administration with food is required, dosing of the medicinal product should be consistently performed during food intake (see section 5.2).

Method of administration

Glycopyrronium bromide products with different strengths are available. Proper dose adjustment is required, if switching products, to avoid overdose and anticholinergic toxicity (see section 4.8 and 4.9).

For oral use and use with nasogastric and or PEG tubes.

The correct quantity of Glycopyrronium Bromide should be measured and administered using the syringe included in the pack.

Nasogastric feeding tubes, if used, should be flushed with 20 ml of water immediately after dosing. See Section 6.6 for instructions for use.

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

In common with other antimuscarinics:

• Angle-closure glaucoma

• Myasthenia gravis (large doses of quaternary ammonium compounds have been shown to antagonise end plate nicotinic receptors)

• Pyloric stenosis

• Paralytic ileus

• Prostatic enlargement

• Urinary retention

• Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73m², including those with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis

• Intestinal obstruction

• Potassium chloride solid oral dose products

• Anticholinergic medicines

Anticholinergic effects

Anticholinergic effects such as urinary retention, constipation and overheating due to inhibition of sweating are dose dependent. Monitoring by physicians and caregivers is required with adherence to the management instructions below:

Management of important anticholinergic side effects

The carer should stop treatment and seek advice from the prescriber in the event of:

• constipation

• urinary retention

• pneumonia

• allergic reaction

• pyrexia

• very hot weather

• changes in behaviour

After evaluating the event, the prescriber will decide if treatment should remain stopped or if this should continue at a lower dose.

Lack of long-term safety data

Safety data are not available beyond 24 weeks treatment duration. Given the limited long- term safety data available and the uncertainties around the long term use of the product, the treatment duration should be kept as short as possible. If continuous treatment is needed (e.g. in a palliative setting) or the treatment is repeated intermittently (e.g. in the non palliative setting treating chronic disease) benefits and risks should be carefully considered on a case by case basis and treatment should be closely monitored.

Mild to moderate sialorrhoea

Due to the low potential benefit and the known adverse effect profile, Glycopyrronium Bromide should not be given to children with mild to moderate sialorrhoea.

Cardiac disorders

Glycopyrronium Bromide should be used with caution in patients with acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, conditions characterised by tachycardia (including hyperthyroidism, cardiac insufficiency, cardiac surgery) because of the increase in heart rate produced by its administration, coronary artery disease and cardiac arrhythmias.

Due to the potential change to normal heart rhythm, Glycopyrronium Bromide should be used with caution in patients receiving inhalation anaesthesia.

Gastro-intestinal disorders

Glycopyrronium Bromide should be used with caution in patients with gastro- oesophageal reflux disease, ulcerative colitis, pre-existing constipation, and diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea may be an early symptom of incomplete intestinal obstruction, especially in patients with ileostomy or colostomy. In this instance treatment with this drug would be inappropriate and possibly harmful.

As glycopyrronium bromide inhibits sweating, patients with increased temperature should be observed closely. In the presence of a high environmental temperature, heat prostration (fever and heat stroke due to decreased sweating) can occur with use of Glycopyrronium Bromide.

Dental

Since reduced salivation can increase the risk of oral cavities and periodontal diseases, it is important that patients receive adequate daily dental hygiene and regular dental health checks.

Respiratory disorders

Glycopyrronium Bromide can cause thickening of secretions, which may increase the risk of respiratory infection and pneumonia (see section 4.8). Glycopyrronium Bromide should be discontinued if pneumonia is present.

CNS adverse events

Increased central nervous system effects have been reported in clinical trials including: irritability; drowsiness; restlessness; overactivity; short attention span; frustration; mood changes; temper outbursts or explosive behaviour; excessive sensitivity; seriousness or sadness; frequent crying episodes; fearfulness. Behavioural changes should be monitored.

As a consequence of its quaternary charge glycopyrronium has limited ability to penetrate the blood brain barrier, although the extent of penetration is unknown. Caution should be exercised in children with compromised blood brain barrier eg. Intraventicular shunt, brain tumour, encephalitis.

Renal disorders

Because of prolongation of renal elimination, repeated or large doses of Glycopyrronium Bromide should be avoided in patients with uraemia.

Paediatric population – children younger than 3 years

Glycopyrronium Bromide is not recommended for use in children younger than 3 years of age.

Growth and development

The effects of glycopyrronium on the reproductive system have not been investigated. Whilst clinical studies do not report any short or long-term effect of glycopyrronium on neurodevelopment or growth, no studies have been conducted to specifically address these issues.

Excipient Warnings

Sorbitol

This medicine contains 875 mg sorbitol in each 5 ml which is equivalent to 175mg/1 ml. Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If your doctor has told you that you (or your child) have an intolerance to some sugars or if you have been diagnosed with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder in which a person cannot break down fructose, talk to your doctor before you (or your child) take or receive this medicine. Sorbitol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and mild laxative effect.

Sodium Benzoate

This medicine contains 4 mg sodium benzoate in each 5 ml which is equivalent to 0.80 mg/ml.

Information on Sodium content

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 1 ml, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

No interaction studies have been performed.

Paediatric population

There are limited data available relating to interactions with other medicinal products in the paediatric age group.

The following medicinal product interaction information is relevant to glycopyrronium.

Contraindication of concomitant use

Concomitant use of the following medicinal products is contraindicated (see section 4.3)

• Potassium chloride solid oral dose products: glycopyrronium may potentiate the risk of upper gastrointestinal injury associated with oral solid formulations of potassium chloride due to increased gastrointestinal transit time creating a high localized concentration of potassium ions. An association with upper GI bleeding and small bowel ulceration, stenosis, perforation, and obstruction has been observed.

• Anticholinergic medicines: concomitant use of anticholinergics may increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects. Anticholinergics may delay the gastrointestinal absorption of other anticholinergics administered orally and also increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects.

Concomitant use to be considered with caution including dose adjustment

Class interactions

Many drugs have antimuscarinic effects; concomitant use of two or more of such drugs can increase side-effects such as dry mouth, urine retention and constipation. Concomitant use can also lead to confusion in the elderly. The Glycopyrronium Bromide dosage may need to be decreased in patients receiving two or more antimuscarinic drugs concomitantly.

Increased antimuscarinic side-effects: amantadine; tricyclic antidepressants; antihistamines; clozapine; disopyramide; MAOIs; nefopam; memantine; phenothiazines (increased antimuscarinic side effects of phenothiazines but reduced plasma concentrations). The Glycopyrronium Bromide dosage may need to be decreased in patients receiving two or more antimuscarinic drugs concomitantly.

Concurrent administration of anticholinergics and corticosteroids may result in increased intraocular pressure.

Corticosteroids: Steroid-induced glaucoma may develop with topical, inhaled, oral or intravenous, steroid administration. Concomitant use may result in increased intraocular pressure via an open- or a closed-angle mechanism (see contraindications).

Concurrent use with slow-dissolving tablets of digoxin, atenolol or metformin may result in increased serum levels of these medicines.

Skeletal muscle relaxants: Concurrent use of anticholinergics after administration of skeletal muscle relaxants may potentiate systemic anticholinergic effects.

Use of anticholinergics after administration of botulinum toxin may potentiate systemic anticholinergic effects.

Opioids: active substances such as pethidine and codeine may result in additive central nervous system and gastrointestinal adverse effects, and increase the risk of severe constipation or paralytic ileus and CNS depression. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS depression and constipation.

Antispasmodics: glycopyrronium may antagonize the pharmacologic effects of gastrointestinal prokinetic active substances such as domperidone and metoclopramide.

Topiramate and zonisamide: glycopyrronium may potentiate the effects of oligohidrosis and hyperthermia associated with the use of topiramate, particularly in paediatric patients.

Levodopa: absorption of levodopa possibly reduced.

Haloperidol: effects of haloperidol possibly reduced.

Nitrates: possibly reduced effect of sublingual nitrates (failure to dissolve under the tongue owing to dry mouth).

Inhaled anaesthetics: potential change to normal heart rhythm

Women of child-bearing potential

Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during the treatment.

Pregnancy

There is limited amount of data (less than 300 pregnancy outcomes) from the use of glycopyrronium bromide in pregnant women. The assessment of reproductive endpoints for glycopyrronium is limited (see section 5.3). Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity. As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of glycopyrronium bromide during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Available toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of glycopyrronium bromide and its metabolites in milk. A risk to the suckling child cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue from glycopyrronium bromide therapy taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

There are no data on the effects of Glycopyrronium Bromide on male or female fertility. Reproductive performance in rats given glycopyrronium shows a decrease in the rate of conception and in survival rate at weaning. There are insufficient data in the public domain to adequately assess effects on the reproductive system in young adults (see section 5.3).

Glycopyrronium Bromide may influence the ability to drive and use machines because it may produce drowsiness or blurred vision. In this event, the patient should be warned not to engage in activities requiring mental alertness such as operating a motor vehicle or other machinery, or performing hazardous work while taking this drug.

Glycopyrronium bromide may produce the following effects, which are extensions of its fundamental pharmacological actions: dry mouth, diminished gastrointestinal motility, difficulty in micturition, increased body temperature and inhibition of sweating.

Side-effects of antimuscarinics include difficulty swallowing, difficulty talking, thirst, constipation, transient bradycardia (followed by tachycardia, palpitation and arrhythmias), reduced bronchial secretions, urinary urgency and retention, dilatation of the pupils with loss of accommodation, photophobia, flushing, and dryness of the skin.

Other side-effects that occur less frequently include confusion (particularly in the elderly), nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness and angle-closure glaucoma.

Summary of the safety profile

The highest incidence of adverse reactions associated with Glycopyrronium Bromide therapy is related to its anticholinergic properties¹ i.e. dry mouth (13%), constipation (16%), diarrhoea (9.4%), nasal congestion (8.4%), vomiting (11.4%), urinary retention (5.4%) etc.

Pulmonary undesirable effects including upper respiratory infection and pneumonia have been reported. The incidence rate cannot be calculated from the available data (See Section 4.4).

There is no data on the long-term use of the product. (see section 4.4).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions associated with Glycopyrronium bromide obtained from published studies¹ are tabulated below according to the following convention: Very common (>1/10); Common (>1/100, <1/10); Uncommon (>1/1,000, <1/100); Unknown (cannot be estimated from the available data)

¹ Frequency categories are assigned from the pooled data from the following published studies: double blinded placebo controlled trials Mier et al. and Zeller et al. 2012a, one retrospective review Bachrach et al., and three one open –label studies Zeller et al 2012b, Stern and Blasco et al. with a total of 297 patients exposed to glycopyrromium.

² Behavioural changes include agitation, drowsiness, restlessness, overactivity, short attention span, frustration, irritability, mood changes, temper outbursts, explosive behaviour, excessive sensitivity, seriousness, sadness, frequent crying, fearfulness.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Since glycopyrronium bromide is a quaternary ammonium agent, symptoms of overdosage are peripheral rather than central in nature. Theoretically, with overdosage, a curare-like action may occur, i.e. neuro-muscular blockade leading to muscular weakness and possible paralysis. Furthermore, the likelihood of experiencing anticholinergic side effects is increased.

Treatment of overdose is symptomatic and supportive.

• To guard against further absorption of the drug, use gastric lavage, cathartics and/or enemas.

• To combat peripheral anticholinergic effects (residual mydriasis, dry mouth, etc.), utilise a quaternary ammonium anticholinesterase, such as neostigmine. Proportionately smaller doses should be used in children.

• To combat hypotension, use pressor amines (norepinephrine, metaraminol) i.v. and supportive care.

• To combat respiratory depression, administer oxygen; utilise a respiratory stimulant such as Doxapram hydrochloride i.v. and artificial respiration.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Synthetic anticholinergics, quaternary ammonium compounds

ATC code: A03AB02

Mechanism of action

Glycopyrronium bromide is a synthetic muscarinic anticholinergic agent that binds competitively to the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Like other anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agents, it 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.

Aside from differences in the CNS actions, the spectrum of pharmacological actions by glycopyrronium bromide is qualitatively similar to that of the naturally occurring alkaloids atropine and scopolamine, but differs with regard to duration and intensity. Within the peripheral nervous system, glycopyrronium bromide acts as a potent competitive antagonist at muscarinic receptors and attenuates physiological processes regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system, including predictable actions within the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system, and heart. The highly polar quaternary ammonium group of glycopyrronium bromide limits its passage across lipid membranes, such as the blood-brain barrier.

Pharmacodynamic effects

In common with other anticholinergics, glycopyrronium bromide has gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiovascular, respiratory, and ophthalmic effects. Due to its limited passage across lipid membranes, CNS effects such as drowsiness are unlikely. Specific known effects of glycopyrronium bromide include dryness of the mouth, reduced bronchial secretions, dilation of pupils with loss of accommodation, photophobia, flushing, inhibition of sweating, transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia with palpitations and arrhythmias, urinary urgency and retention, reduced gastrointestinal motility and tone.

Clinical efficacy and safety

The medicinal use of glycopyrronium bromide for its anticholinergic effects is well- established. Studies published in the scientific literature demonstrate reduction in gastric secretions and acidity, and delayed gastric emptying by glycopyrronium bromide in peptic ulcer patients. Some efficacy of glycopyrronium bromide as monotherapy was shown in peptic ulcer healing, recurrence rate of duodenal ulcer, chronic gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal disorders and acid-peptic disease. Published studies of glycopyrronium bromide in adults as add-on therapy with antacids in the treatment of peptic ulcer also demonstrate some efficacy.

Glycopyrronium competitively inhibits cholinergic muscarinic receptors in salivary glands and other peripheral tissues, thus indirectly reducing the rate of salivation. Glycopyrronium has little effect on cholinergic stimuli at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, on structures innervated by postganglionic cholinergic neurons, and on smooth muscles that respond to acetylcholine but have no cholinergic innervation. Peripheral antimuscarinic effects that are produced as the dose increases are: decreased production of secretions from the salivary, bronchial and sweat glands; dilatation of the pupils (mydriasis) and paralysis of accommodation (cyclopegia); increased heart rate; inhibition of micturition and reduction in gastrointestinal tone; inhibition of gastric acid secretion.

Placebo controlled efficacy data includes patients with a treatment duration of 8 weeks. There is no placebo or comparator controlled data beyond 8 weeks.

Zeller et al 2012a evaluated the efficacy of glycopyrronium bromide oral solution (1 mg/5 mL) in managing problem drooling associated with cerebral palsy and other neurologic conditions. Thirty-eight patients aged 3–23 years weighing at least 27 lb (12.2 kg) with severe drooling (clothing damp 5–7 days/week) were randomized to eight-weeks treatment with glycopyrronium (n = 20), 20-100 μg/kg (not exceeding 3 mg in total) three times a day, or matching placebo (n = 18). The first four weeks were an individual titration period in fixed steps depending on response followed by 4-weeks maintenance treatment. Primary efficacy endpoint was responder rate, defined as percentage showing ≥3-point improvement on the modified Teacher's Drooling Scale (mTDS). The primary analysis population was revised to only comprise patients with an age of 3 -16 years which rendered 19 patients in the glycopyrrolate oral solution group an 17 in the placebo group. Responder rate was defined as at least a 3-point improvement in modified Teacher's Drooling Scale (mTDS).

In addition, 84% of physicians and 100% of parents/caregivers regarded glycopyrrolate as worthwhile compared with 41% and 56%, respectively, for placebo (p≤0.014). Most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (glycopyrrolate vs placebo) were dry mouth, constipation, vomiting and nasal congestion.

The safety and efficacy of glycopyrronium have been studied in an open labelled study with no control group over a 24-week period in children aged 3 to 18 years. At the week 24/exit visit, 52.3% (95% confidence interval 43.7–60.9) of patients (n=130) had an at least three- point decrease in mTDS from baseline and were classified as responders to treatment with oral glycopyrrolate solution. The adverse event profile was consistent with the one seen with anticholinergics (see section 4.4 and 4.8).

The incidence of expected adverse events is dose-related. Therefore, dose is to be titrated to achieve an optimal balance of effectiveness with minimal anticholinergic associated adverse events.

There is no safety data available beyond 24 weeks treatment duration, therefore the treatment duration should be kept as short as possible.

Absorption

Glycopyrronium bromide is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Oral glycopyrronium bromide has low oral bioavailability; a mean of approximately 3% is found in plasma.

Mean absolute oral bioavailability of glycopyrronium comparing a single 50 µg/kg oral dose and a single 5 µg/kg i.v. dose was low at approximately 3% (range 1.3–13.3%) in children aged 7–14 years undergoing intraocular surgery (n = 6) due to the medicinal product's low lipid solubility. Data from sparse PK sampling in children suggests dose proportional PK.

Oral glycopyrronium bromide produces low plasma concentrations (C_max 0.318 ± 0.190 ng/ml) lasting up to 12 hours.

Food effect data indicate that the mean C_max under fed high fat meal conditions is about 74% lower than the C_max observed under fasting conditions.

Distribution

The bioavailability of oral glycopyrronium in children was between that of adults under fed and fasted conditions. Co-administration with food results in a marked decrease in systemic glycopyrronium exposure.

In adults, distribution of glycopyrronium was rapid following a single 6 µg/kg i.v. dose; distribution half-life was 2.2 ± 1.3 minutes. Following administration of 3H-labelled glycopyrronium more than 90% of the radiolabel disappeared from the plasma in 5 minutes, and almost 100% within 30 minutes, reflecting rapid distribution. Analyses of population pharmacokinetic data from healthy adults and children with cerebral palsy-associated chronic moderate to severe drooling who received glycopyrronium (route of administration and dosages not specified) did not demonstrate linear pharmacokinetics of the medicinal product.

The volume of distribution, 0.64 ± 0.29 L/kg in adults is similar to that of total body water. Volume of distribution is somewhat higher in the paediatric population(s), in the range 1.31 to 1.83 L/kg.

The PK of glycopyrronium has been shown to be essentially independent of age in children in the age range 0.19 – 14 years administered a 5 µg/kg i.v. single-dose. In most paediatric subjects, plasma glycopyrronium vs. time plots are reported to show a triexponential curve; adults generally show a biexponential curve. Modest changes in volume of distribution (Vss) and clearance (Cl) have been observed in children between 1 and 3 years of age, leading to a statistically significant shorter elimination half-life (t½, z) than that observed in younger (<1 year of age; p = 0.037) or older (>3 years of age; p = 0.042) groups.

In a study in healthy adults, a 2000 µg single dose of glycopyrronium bromide resulted in an AUC of 2.39 µg.h/L (fasted). An AUC_0-6 h of 8.64 µg.h/L was observed after 6 µg/kg i.v. glycopyrronium.

Based upon theoretical physicochemical considerations, the quaternary ammonium compound glycopyrronium would be expected to have low central bioavailability; no glycopyrronium was detectable in the CSF of anaesthetised surgical patients or patients undergoing caesarean section following a 6 – 8 µg/kg i.v. dose. In the paediatric population 5 µg/kg i.v. glycopyrronium has low central bioavailability, except in the case where the blood brain barrier has been compromised (e.g. a shunt infection).

The primary route of elimination of glycopyrronium is via renal excretion, mainly as unchanged medicinal product. Approximately 65% of an i.v. dose is renally excreted within the first 24 hours. A small proportion (~5%) is eliminated in the bile.

The elimination half-life of glycopyrronium appears to be dependent on route of administration being 0.83 ± 0.27 hours after i.v. administration, 75 minutes after i.m. administration and in the region of 2.5 - 4 h after oral (solution) administration, though again this was highly variable. That the latter two half-lives, and especially that for oral administration, are longer than for i.v. administration probably reflects the complex absorption and distribution of glycopyrronium by each route. It is possible that prolonged absorption after oral administration translates into elimination being faster than absorption (known as flip-flop kinetics, characterized by Ka < Ke).

The total body clearance of the medicinal product following an i.v. dose is relatively high at between 0.54 ± 0.14 L/h/kg and 1.14 ± 0.31 L/h/kg. As this exceeds the glomerular filtration rate and it appears that more than 50% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, it is probable that the renal elimination of glycopyrronium involves both glomerular filtration and proximal tubular secretion by the base secretory mechanism.

A mean increase in total systemic exposure (AUC_last) of up to 1.4 fold was seen in adult subjects with mild and moderate renal impairment (GFR ≥30mL/min/1.73m²) and up to 2.2 fold in subjects with severe renal impairment or end stage renal disease (estimated GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²). A 30% dose reduction (see Table 2) is required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Glycopyrronium is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment.

Baseline characteristics (age, weight, gender and race) do not affect the pharmacokinetics of glycopyrronium.

Glycopyrronium bromide penetrates the blood-brain barrier poorly. Glycopyrronium bromide crosses the placenta to a limited extent; and is not known whether it is distributed into milk.

Biotransformation

In adult patients who underwent surgery for cholelithiasis and were given a single IV dose of tritiated glycopyrronium bromide, approximately 85% of total radioactivity was excreted in urine and < 5% was present in T-tube drainage of bile. In both urine and bile, > 80% of the radioactivity corresponded to unchanged drug. These data suggest a small proportion of i.v. glycopyrronium bromide is excreted as one or more metabolites.

Elimination

A study using intravenous ³H-glycopyrronium bromide in humans showed the disappearance of more than 90% from the serum in 5 minutes and almost 100% in 30 minutes. Urinary radioactivity was highest in the first 3 hours and 85% was excreted in the urine within 48 hours. Paper chromatography showed 80% of the radioactivity in bile and urine corresponding to unchanged glycopyrronium bromide. Following oral administration to mice, 7.6% was excreted in the urine and about 79% in the faeces.

Impaired hepatic function is not expected to affect the pharmacokinetics of glycopyrronium since the majority of the medicinal product is eliminated through the kidneys.

Non-clinical data, including genotoxicity or carcinogenicity studies have not been performed for Glycopyrronium Bromide.

Limited non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology or repeated dose toxicity.

The single dose toxicity of glycopyrronium has been tested in a range of investigations, although only limited experimental details are available. Upon oral administration, high LD₅₀ values of 550 mg/kg in mice and above 1,000 mg/kg in rats were reported. In rats at higher doses (1500-2000 mg/kg) tremors, clonic and tonic convulsions and laboured breathing were observed prior to death, resulting from respiratory failure.

Chronic oral administration of glycopyrronium at doses of 4, 16 and 64 mg/kg for up to 27 weeks in dogs produced mydriasis, cycloplegia, xerostomia, emesis, occasional lacrimation, injection of sclera and rhinorrhoea.

Extrapolation of safety margins to the paediatric population is not possible, as no exposure data are available from repeated dose toxicology studies and no studies in juvenile animals have been performed with glycopyrronium.

Data on reproductive endpoints for glycopyrronium are very limited. A reduction in corpora lutea was observed in female rats administered glycopyrronium. No effects on fertility were observed in male rats. Reproductive performance in rats given glycopyrronium shows a decrease in the rate of conception and in survival rate at weaning. The significance of the non-clinical findings for humans is not clear, and the lack of human data on the medicinal product leads to glycopyrronium being contraindicated in pregnant women. There are insufficient data in the public domain to adequately assess effects on the reproductive system in young adults, and safety in human pregnancy has not been established.

Glycerol (E422)

Sorbitol (E420)

Sodium citrate

Sodium benzoate (E211)

Citric acid

Cherry flavor

Sodium saccharin

Sodium hydroxide/Citric acid (for pH-adjustment)

Purified Water

Not applicable.

24 months.

After opening, the product may be stored for up to 2 months at a temperature below 25°C. Other in use storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user.

Store below 25°C. Do not freeze.

For storage conditions after first opening of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.

Glycopyrronium bromide oral solution is presented in amber type III glass bottles containing 150ml of oral solution, with a plastic child resistant cap.

Each bottle is provided in a carton box along with a 10 ml syringe with graduations and a syringe adaptor to allow the correct dose to be measured.

Instructions for use

Insert the tip of the oral syringe into the neck of the bottle. Gently pull up the plunger to the correct level (see Table 1 for the correct dose). Once the correct dose has been measured, carefully withdraw the oral syringe from the bottle. Take care to avoid spilling the solution. Place the tip of the oral syringe inside the child's mouth and press the plunger slowly to gently release the medicinal product.

If Glycopyrronium bromide oral solution 1mg / 5mL is given through a feeding tube, flush the tube with 20 ml of water after administering the medicinal product.

No special requirements for disposal.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.