February 10th, 2014

A number of AAOMS fellows and members are reporting a shortage of glycopyrrolate injection (Robinul®). Used by many OMSs as a preoperative antimuscarinic to reduce salivary, tracheobrachial and pharyngeal secretions, and to block cardiac vagal inhibitory reflexes during induction of anesthesia and intubation, the drug is currently manufactured solely by West-Ward Pharmaceuticals in Eatontown, NJ.

American Regent, which had produced the drug, temporarily suspended manufacture of most drug products in April, 2011, and has yet to resume production. There is no estimate on when they will resume manufacturing glycopyrrolate.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, notes that while there is a shortage of the drug, no official reason has been given for the problem.

Southern Anesthesia & Surgical (SAS) reports they are currently receiving periodic allocations of glycopyrrolate from West-Ward and are using these shipments to fulfill customer backorders in the order they were received. Until these backorders are filled, glycopyrrolate will remain in out-of-stock status at SAS.

In addition, a SAS Alert dated January 14, 2014 states that Robinul is on manufacture backorder and that SAS is not accepting orders for Robinul at this time.

AAOMS will continue to monitor the situation and keep members informed of new developments.