Glycopyrronium requirements for antagonism of the muscarinic side effects of edrophonium†

Abstract

We have compared, in 60 adult patients, the cardiovascular effects of glycopyrronium 5 μg kg-1 and 10 μg kg-1 given either simultaneously or 1 min before edrophonium 1 μg kg-1. Significant differences between the four groups were detected (P < 0.001). Both groups receiving 10 μg kg-1 showed increases in heart rate of up to 30 beat min-1 (95% confidence limits 28-32 beat min-1). Use of glycopyrronium 5 μg kg-1 provided greater cardiovascular stability and, given 1 min before the edrophonium, was sufficient to minimize early, edrophonium-induced bradycardias. This low dose of glycoprronium provided good control of oropharyngeal secretions. © 1989 British Journal of Anaesthesia.