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Facial Edema Induced by Glycopyrrolate in a Patient With Metastatic Tongue Cancer: A Case Report

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic medication, is commonly used for managing excessive secretions in palliative care, especially in patients with advanced head and neck cancers. However, its side effect profile, particularly in complex oncological cases, is not fully understood. This case report presents a 62-year-old male with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue, who was managed in a palliative care setting. Glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg subcutaneously (SC) or intravenously (IV) every six hours was initiated to control chest secretions. While the patient showed initial symptomatic improvement, he subsequently developed significant and unexpected facial edema extending to both lower eyelids. The edema did not respond to antibiotics or corticosteroids and only improved after discontinuation of glycopyrrolate, suggesting a potential adverse reaction, although the advanced stage of his illness may have also contributed to the development of edema. This case underscores the importance of monitoring for rare adverse effects like facial edema when using glycopyrrolate, particularly in patients with advanced metastatic cancers. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms of this reaction and guide safer clinical practice.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.69024

Authors: Abrar Khojah, Shumukh Alqahtani, Zaid A Majeed, Faisal B Almatrafi, Wafaeiy Shiqdar

Institutions: Umm al-Qura University, National Guard Health Affairs

Language: English

Topic: Palliative and Oncologic Care

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4402348075