A comparison of glycopyrrolate and atropine during reversal of nondepolarizing neuromuscular block with neostigmine.

Glycopyrrolate and atropine were compared as to their effects on heart rate, arrhythmias, blood pressure, and volume of oropharyngeal secretions. Glycopyrrolate protects against neostigmine-induced bradycardia, produces less initial tachycardia, causes a lower incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, and is a superior oropharyngeal drying agent. Use of this drug instead of atropine should be considered during reversal of nondepolarizing neuromuscular block.