Effects of glycopyrrolate and atropine combined with antacid on gastric acidity.

Glycopyrrolate, atropine or saline were administered i.v. with oral magnesium trisilicate 1 h before induction of anaesthesia to patients about to undergo Caesarean section. Both anticholinergics greatly reduced gastric acidity. It is suggested that glycopyrrolate should be used in combination with antacid therapy before obstetric anaesthesia and puerperal tubal ligation because of its prolonged duration of action, effect on gastric secretion and failure to cross the placental barrier.