Glycopyrrolate treatment of drooling in an adult male patient with cerebral palsy

1. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of glycopyrrolate on drool ing in an adult male patient with cerebral palsy. 2. After a thorough medical examination and consent in writing by the respo nsible guardian, a baseline sum score for frequency and seriousness of droo ling was established over a ' peek period in addition to data on shifts of handkerchiefs, urination, defecation and observation of behaviour. Glycopyr rolate (1 mg) tablets were then administered, starting with one tablet dail y the third week and increasing the daily dose by one tablet per week until a maximum of four tablets during week six and I days of week seven when th e daily dose was reduced to two tablets for 3 days. For the four weeks 8-11 three tablets were given daily. In week 12 the dose was reduced to two tab lets and for the weeks 13-15 no tablets of glycopyrrolate were given. 3. For as long as the patient received three to four tablets of glycopyrrol ate daily, drooling was markedly reduced and handkerchiefs were not necessa ry on some days. After the tablets were withdrawn drooling increased to app roximately the same level as it was before treatment. No adverse medical, p sychological. or social effects were observed. 4. For shorter periods, glycopyrrolate can be given in controlled doses pro vided that an adequate medical assessment has been undertaken.