[Glycopyrronium bromide is a long-acting inhaled anticholinergic in the treatment of severe COPD]

Long-acting bronchodilators are central in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This short review provides an overview of the studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of inhaled glycopyrronium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, in patients with COPD. Glycopyrronium has clinically important effects on the level of forced expiratory volume in the first second, use of rescue medication, daytime dyspnoea scores, and health status. Glycopyrronium also has beneficial effects on dynamic hyperinflation, exercise tolerance, and the rate of exacerbations. Glycopyrronium seems to have the potential for a significant role in the future management of COPD.