0

Home > Drug Category > Other > Cuvposa and Equivalent

Cuvposa Information

Cuvposa (Glycopyrrolate) is an anticholinergic medication specifically used to reduce chronic, severe drooling (sialorrhea) in children aged 3 to 18 years who have underlying neurologic conditions, such as cerebral palsy.

Glycopyrrolate works by physically blocking the action of acetylcholine, a natural chemical messenger that signals glands to produce fluids. Under normal circumstances, acetylcholine attaches to specialized muscarinic receptors on target cells, triggering the release of saliva, mucus, or stomach acid.

When Cuvposa is ingested, the drug binds directly to these same receptors instead. It acts as a physical barrier without triggering any saliva production, effectively preventing acetylcholine from delivering its signal. Because the glands never receive the signal to secrete saliva, saliva production slows significantly, reducing drooling.

Glycopyrrolate carries a permanent positive electrical charge, and as a result, it cannot easily cross the protective blood-brain barrier. This keeps its blocking action confined to the body's peripheral tissues, allowing it to reduce drooling without causing central nervous system side effects like confusion or severe drowsiness.

Cuvposa Side Effects

Even though it has fewer effects on the central nervous system, it can still cause some systemic side effects. These include dry mouth, vomiting, facial or skin flushing, nasal congestion, headache, swollen sinuses (sinusitis), upper respiratory tract infection, rapid heart rate, blurred vision, and difficulty urinating. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice serious side effects such as:
• Constipation, or difficulty with bowel movement;
• Diarrhea (which can be an early sign of an incomplete bowel obstruction);
• Signs of complications of decreased sweating, such as fever, red hot skin, fast and weak pulse;

Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulties, a rash, itching, hives, blistering of the skin, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Ensure you inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Cuvposa Precautions

This medication should be avoided in children with:
• Allergic reaction to glycopyrrolate, or other ingredients in Cuvposa;
• Bowel problems called paralytic ileus or ulcerative colitis;
• Difficulty urinating;
• Glaucoma (narrow-angle glaucoma);
• Myasthenia gravis;
• Severe toxic megacolon or difficulty maintaining normal bowel tone;

Also, before using this medication on your child, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Bowel problems such as constipation;
• Eye problems;
• Heart disease, including abnormal heart rhythm;
• Hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• High blood pressure;
• Thyroid problems;

Taking Cuvposa alongside other medications with anticholinergic effects such as diphenhydramine, amitriptyline, clozapine, and oxybutynin can dangerously intensify side effects like severe dry mouth, urinary retention, severe constipation, and blurred vision. Likewise, oral potassium supplements in solid dosage forms (tablets or capsules) should not be used while taking Cuvposa, as slower bowel movement due to Cuvposa can keep the potassium tablet or capsule in contact with the gut lining for too long, which can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, ulceration, and bleeding. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with glycopyrrolate.

Data on glycopyrrolate use during pregnancy is highly limited, meaning it should only be used if the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks to the fetus. It is also unknown whether the drug passes into breast milk, creating potential risks for a nursing infant. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Discard this medication 60 days after opening the bottle.

Do I need a prescription to order Cuvposa?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Cuvposa.