Oral glycopyrrolate as second-line treatment for primary pediatric hyperhidrosis

Abstract

Background: Primary focal hyperhidrosis not uncommonly begins during the first two decades of life, and can have a profound effect on quality of life. Few treatment options have been studied in children.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the response to oral glycopyrrolate in pediatric patients.

Methods: Records of pediatric patients with hyperhidrosis seen at a pediatric hospital in a 10-year period were reviewed retrospectively and, if possible, parents and patients were also interviewed. The efficacy and adverse effects of oral glycopyrrolate were assessed.

Results: In all, 31 children took at least one dose of oral glycopyrrolate. All had daily hyperhidrosis that affected their quality of life and were resistant or intolerant of aluminum salts. The mean age of hyperhidrosis onset was 10.3 years, and mean age of initiation of glycopyrrolate was 14.8 years. At a mean dosage of 2 mg daily, 90% of patients experienced improvement, which was major in 71% of responders. Improvement occurred within hours of administration and disappeared within a day of discontinuation. Duration of treatment averaged 2.1 years (range to 10 years). Side effects were noted by 29% of children, most commonly dry mouth (26%) and eyes (10%), and were dose-related. One patient developed blurred vision, which resolved with dosing below 5 mg/d; one patient experienced palpitations and discontinued the medication.

Limitations: This was a retrospective analysis of a limited number of pediatric patients.

Conclusion: Oral glycopyrrolate is a cost-effective, painless second-line therapy for children and adolescents with primary focal hyperhidrosis that impacts their quality of life.