Glycopyrrolate pills for excessive sweating

At a glance

How it works

It blocks a nerve signal that tells sweat glands to work. It enters the brain less readily than oxybutynin, so it may cause fewer thinking or memory problems.

Off-label use

The FDA has not approved glycopyrrolate for excessive sweating. Clinicians still prescribe it based on smaller studies and years of use. It has not gone through large late-stage sweating trials.

Where it fits

It is often tried after skin treatments. It may come sooner when several body areas sweat because one pill can affect them all. The tradeoff is whole-body side effects.

Dose

A clinician often starts with a low dose and raises it only if needed. Adult doses vary. Doses for children depend on weight and need close medical guidance.

Side effects

Dry mouth is most common. Blurred vision, dry eyes, constipation, trouble urinating, a fast heart rate, and too little sweating can occur. Heat illness is a risk if your body cannot cool itself. Other medicines can add to these effects.

What to consider

• • Type: prescription pill
• • Schedule: often 1-2 times daily, adjusted by a clinician
• • Prescription required
• • FDA-approved use: not approved for excessive sweating
• • Body area: can affect sweating across the body

Side effects and reasons this may not be safe for you

• • Dry mouth (most common)
• • Blurred vision
• • Urinary hesitation/retention
• • Constipation
• • Dry eyes
• • Cognitive effects (especially in older adults)
• • Reduced sweating elsewhere on the body
• • Tachycardia (less common)

Compare this option

• Compare: glycopyrrolate vs oxybutynin →

Sources for this treatment

Important numbers and approved uses on this page link back to the research or official information that supports them.

Frequently asked

How does glycopyrrolate compare to oxybutynin?

Both are off-label sweat-reducing pills. Glycopyrrolate enters the brain less readily and may cause fewer thinking or memory problems. See the comparison for the main differences.

Can I take this with other medications?

Some allergy, depression, bladder, and Parkinson's medicines can raise the same side effects. A prescriber should review every medicine and supplement you take.

Will I stop sweating completely?

The goal is to reduce sweat, not stop it everywhere. Too little sweat can make it hard to cool down in heat or during exercise. Seek help for overheating, confusion, or faintness.

Read next

• Check my sweating →
• Where sweating happens →
• How we research our guides →

Where this fits