Gastric emptying following premedication with glycopyrrolate or atropine

A double-blind study of the effects of glycopyrrolate or atropine i.v. on gastric emptying was undertaken in 30 non-pregnant and 30 pregnant women. Gastric emptying, which was assessed by the uptake of orally administered paracetamol, was decreased in the patients in the first trimester of pregnancy when compared with the non-pregnant patients. Following the administration of glycopyrrolate, gastric emptying was decreased in the non-pregnant patients and decreased further in the pregnant patients.