Hyperhidrosis: oral glycopyrronium bromide

About glycopyrronium

Glycopyrronium (also called glycopyrronium bromide) is a medicine that aims to stop the stimulation of sweat glands and reduce sweating.

Glycopyrronium is only licensed for treating excessive sweating if used in an electrical treatment called 'iontophoresis' for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. During this treatment, the hands or feet are placed in plastic trays containing a liquid that has glycopyrronium in it, and a very small electrical current is passed through the liquid.

When glycopyrronium is taken by the mouth (orally) as tablets or as a liquid for treating excessive sweating, this use is unlicensed in the UK. This evidence summary has looked at how well glycopyrronium works and how safe it is when it is taken by the mouth for treating excessive sweating.

There are other ways to reduce sweating. Simple options include using antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride, and wearing clothes that keep you cool. Besides iontophoresis, Botox is another treatment that is licensed specifically for treating severe sweating of the underarms.