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Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Bladder Smooth Muscle Strip Contractility as a Method to Evaluate Lower Urinary Tract Pharmacology
Published on: August 18, 2014
Urinary retention and mydriasis secondary to topical glycopyrronium for axillary hyperhidrosis
Holly Hoshall Green1, Lance Ray2,3, Jennie Buchanan2,4
1University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA.
Purpose:
Glycopyrronium, also known as glycopyrrolate, is an antimuscarinic competitive inhibitor of acetylcholine widely utilized topically for its anticholinergic properties in dermatology. A single topical glycopyrronium tosylate (GT) formulation is available on the market, and prescription of this medication has become increasingly popular among dermatologists. This medication has a relatively notable adverse effect profile and carries risks that patients need to be counseled on before initiation.
Summary:
A 22-year-old female presented to our emergency department (ED) with a chief complaint of difficulty urinating for 48 hours and blurred vision for 2 weeks. Over the course of a week, she visited the ED once and urgent care multiple times due to complications associated with combination use of GT and cetirizine. Although these clinical effects were reversible, the patient impact in our case was profound given the time, cost, and invasive nature of these visits.
Conclusion:
The notable adverse effects of GT should be considered when prescribing this agent.
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