The use of subcutaneous glycopyrrolate in the management of sialorrhoea and facilitating the use of non-invasive ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotroph Lateral Scler. 2011 Nov;12(6):464-5. doi: 10.3109/17482968.2011.584195. Epub 2011 May 9.

Abstract

Sialorrhoea is a recognized complication of bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that leads to an increased risk of potentially harmful aspiration and often prevents patients from tolerating non-invasive ventilation (NIV). A case of treatment-resistant sialorrhoea in bulbar ALS is described where subcutaneous glycopyrrolate was effective without significant side-effects. The patient went on to markedly increase the length of time she could tolerate NIV each night.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / complications*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Glycopyrrolate / administration & dosage
  • Glycopyrrolate / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Middle Aged
  • Sialorrhea / drug therapy*
  • Sialorrhea / etiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventilation / methods*

Substances

  • Glycopyrrolate