Do you also have this problem? Even if you go out wearing a nice dress, after a while your underarms get wet with sweat, stains appear on your clothes, and you feel uncomfortable? For some people, this is a little more than normal. That means they sweat profusely under their arms almost all day long. Due to this condition, there are times when they feel embarrassed even to be in a group of four people. So today we are going to talk about a specific medicine that doctors recommend as a treatment for this type of excessive sweating.
Simply put, what is Glycopyrronium?
Glycopyrronium is a medication that is used to control excessive sweating. But it is not a pill that you take. It comes as a small cloth soaked in a solution. We just rub it on the affected area. Strictly speaking, it is a topical medication.
This works by reducing the production of sweat in your body. This helps control that annoying excessive sweating. In Sri Lanka, you may find this under the brand name Qbrexza . Remember, this is a medication that should only be used if prescribed by a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before using any medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about your medical history. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before using Glycopyrronium.
| Your health condition | Why do you need to tell the doctor about that? |
|---|---|
| Difficulty urinating | This medicine may make urination more difficult. |
| Glaucoma condition | This medication is not suitable for glaucoma patients as it may increase eye pressure. |
| Heart disease or heart rhythm irregularities | Using this medication in certain heart conditions can be risky. |
| Kidney disease | Medicines are eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, the medicine can build up in the body. |
| Digestive or stomach problems (e.g. Ulcerative colitis) | This medicine may affect the functioning of the digestive tract. |
| Diseases such as myasthenia gravis or Sjogren's syndrome | These are autoimmune diseases. This medicine can affect the symptoms. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice regarding the use of medications during pregnancy. |
| If the baby is breastfed | You should ask your doctor whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk or not. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is very important to let us know if you are allergic to glycopyrronium or any of its ingredients. |
How exactly do you use this?
The method of using this is very simple, but you have to follow exactly what the doctor says.
- Step 1: Keep the underarm area clean and dry before using this medicine.
- Step 2: Take one piece of cloth out of the medicine packet.
- Step 3: Use the cloth to wipe the area under one arm only once . Do not wipe the same area twice or three times.
- Step 4: Then, wipe the same cloth on the other underarm area just once .
- Step 5: Throw the used cloth in the trash.
- Step 6: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap afterwards, as this can cause problems if the medicine gets on your hands and gets into your eyes.
A few important things to remember
- This medicine is for topical use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Do not apply this to any cut, scratch, or wound on the skin.
- Do not let this get in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does, rinse immediately with water.
- Do not cover the area where the medicine was applied with anything like a bandage.
- Do not use more than the doctor tells you to.
Sometimes this medicine can be prescribed to children over 9 years of age. But only under the strict supervision of a doctor. So if you give this to your child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What to do if you overdose on the medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with Glycopyrronium. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and even traditional medicines.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Ex: Piriton |
| Some medications for bladder diseases | Ex: Oxybutynin, Tolterodine |
| Some medications for Parkinson's disease | Ex: Benztropine, Trihexyphenidyl |
| Some medicines for stomach pain | Ex: Dicyclomine, Hyoscyamine |
| Medicines for vomiting and motion sickness | Ex: Scopolamine |
| Some asthma medications (inhalers) | Ex: Ipratropium, Atropine |
This list is not exhaustive. If you smoke or drink alcohol, tell your doctor about it as well.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Blurred vision: This medication may cause your vision to become slightly blurred. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this affects you.
- Be careful with extreme heat: This medicine works by reducing sweating. Sweating is a natural way for our body to regulate its temperature. So when sweating decreases, the body temperature can rise dangerously. We call this heat stroke . Therefore, when using this medicine, stay away from places with extreme heat (e.g. saunas, hot tubs). Be very careful when playing in the hot sun, exercising, etc.
- Dry mouth: A common side effect of this medication is dry mouth. This can be controlled by chewing sugarless gum, sucking on unsweetened candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. However, if dry mouth is severe or persistent, tell your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Severe skin reactions | Inflammation, severe itching, peeling skin, or crusting where the medicine was applied. |
| Decreased sweating and fever | Body heat without sweating, persistent fever. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or no urination. |
| 🙂 These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Blurred vision | Feeling of some blurriness in the eyes. |
| Constipation | Dry stomach. |
| Dry mouth | Feeling as if saliva has dried up in the mouth. |
| Headache | Slight headache. |
| Minor skin problems | Slight redness and dryness where the medicine was applied. |
How to protect the medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat or cold.
- Keep the medicine in the original package it came in.
- Keep away from fire! This medicine is flammable. Therefore, keep it completely away from fire, stoves, and cigarette smoke.
- Do not use expired medications. Ask your doctor how to dispose of them safely.
Take-Home Message
- Glycopyrronium is a topical medication used to treat excessive sweating. It should only be used if prescribed by a doctor.
- Before using the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medications you are taking.
- When using the medicine, follow the instructions exactly. Be especially careful to wash your hands and avoid applying it to broken skin.
- Be careful of excessive heat. This medicine can cause an increase in body temperature and cause heat stroke.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or difficulty urinating, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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