Making own topical glycopyrrolate from pills viable?

Idlewild

Member
EDIT: Nevermind, calls for 1g of glyco, i thought it was 1mg.

I suffer from facial hyperhidrosis primarily, but it can extend to my back, arms, trunk when it gets to its extreme cases. I found out about glycopyrrolate a few weeks back and I noticed that the cost, at a dose of 3mg/day orally, would be pretty high for a student.

I also noticed that the oral form has more side effects than the topical form. Since I only really need a relief for my face, the topical version really appeals to me.

Since I can't get a prescription just yet, I was looking for a way to cut down the costs.

I found the formula for topical glycopyrrolate online, for a 1% solution.


Preparation of 100 mL Solution of 1% Glycopyrrolate

A 1% glycopyrrolate solution was made by dissolving glycopyrrolate powder in the 66.7 mL distilled water and 33.3 mL of 95% ethanol solution.

Take water 66.7 mL

Add 95% ethanol 33.3 mL

Adjust pH to 4.0 (range 3.5 to 4.5) with a few drops of hydrochloric acid

Add 1 gram of glycopyrrolate stir until glycopyrrolate completely dissolved.

To make 2% solution add 2 gram glycopyrrolate instead of 1 gram etc.

The resulting solution of glycopyrrolate contains approximately 31.635% of ethanol. To avoid skin irritation, the pH of the formulation should be close to that of the skin (pH 5.5). For the chosen 66.7%/33.3% distilled water/95% ethanol solution, the pH level was adjusted to 4.0 with hydrochloric acid. The pH of 4.0 was chosen for stability of the solution and to be as close to the pH of the skin (pH 5.5) as possible.

Pouring 30 to 36 mL of said glycopyrrolate solution onto the top pad of a container of 30 rayon/polypropylene pads; and Covering the container with a resealable lid.


Topical glycopyrrolate product - US Patent 7060289 Description

Here, 1 gram of glycopyrrolate would last about a month if one pad was used a day at 1% solution. If I understand correctly, muriatic acid can be substituted in where hydrochloric acid is needed (30% hcl solution)? After that, its just a point of getting some non-cotton cosmetic pads, resealable container, 95% ethanol (which I believe is available at liquor stores) and some distilled water.

I would be using Avert pills crushed into a fine powder.

Seems to me like an excellent way to cut costs as long as you do everything correctly and with care. Input?

Thanks
 
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Idlewild

Member
I'm not so sure it's viable anymore, 1 gram would last ~3 months at one pad a day, but I am not sure where you could get a gram for cheap.
 

Idlewild

Member
I went to my gp the other day, showed him a few case studies from pubmed, he talked with the pharmacist and I have a prescription now. Hopefully insurance covers it, it costs about $160 a tube. Lasts about a month, but atleast no side effects.
 

Idlewild

Member
Just got it today, the pharmacist had it compounded back in the mid east where he buys the glycopyrrolate, lowered the cost to about $54 a bottle. Haven't tried it yet, trying it before bed tonight!
 

tbanner523

Well-known member
Just got it today, the pharmacist had it compounded back in the mid east where he buys the glycopyrrolate, lowered the cost to about $54 a bottle. Haven't tried it yet, trying it before bed tonight!

Idlewild, how strong is the solution he compounded? I have been trying to do this for years but glycopyrrolate is ridiculously expensive. Anyway, I just noticed that your pharmacist gets it from the Middle East, which probably accounts for the lower price.
 

Idlewild

Member
Based on the study I showed my doctor, we are trying the basic 0.5% solution of glycopyrrolate. I've only applied it twice, once a day at bedtime, and it seems to be working ok. I haven't really encountered any stressful situations so I can't really tell, and it's been pretty humid and hot these past few days so I am sweating a bit.

Today I am sweating more than I'd like to, I think it's because I did physical activity after the second application, when you are supposed to do it before bedtime because you sweat less than in the day. As well, the bottle is kind of small so I used less the second time.

Probably gonna ask for 1% next time.
 

gg1101

Well-known member
I have a rubbermaid container of "special water" that I have dissolved some Robinul (glycopyrrolate) pills in. I wet those makeup remover pads with the water and wipe it on my face. It works similarly to the secure wipes you can get from pharmacy.ca, though those aren't incredibly effective.

My doctor wrote me a script for 2mg Robinul and I get the generic version from Wal-Mart. It costs me around $10 for 100 pills. Definitely cheaper that buying Avert from Canada.

You can make the same "special" water with Avert. Just pull a few of the capsules apart and dump the powder into something that can be sealed and that holds water. I've actually considered putting the water in a spray bottle and using it when I style my hair (as opposed to just regular water that I already use anyway) so my head doesn't sweat as much.
 

wannabedry

Well-known member
so how did this go? did you continue with the cream? how would you compare it to the typical aluminum based solutions? did you find it less irritating or more effective, Im hoping to ask for a glyco cream when I see my derm dr. soon but Im worried it will break my bank because I need something for my whole body, I sweat EVERYWHERE and its severe! and I dont like the idea of using the aluminum, I feel glyco. in a cream makes more sense
 
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