Efficacy and safety of topical glycopyrrolate in patients with facial hyperhidrosis: a randomized, multicentre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, split-face study

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough facial hyperhidrosis has been frequently associated with a diminished quality of life, various conservative modalities for its management are still far from satisfactory. ObjectiveTo evaluate the antiperspirant efficacy and safety of the topical glycopyrrolate on facial hyperhidrosis at specified posttreatment intervals. MethodsThirty-nine patients with facial hyperhidrosis were enrolled and treated with 2% topical glycopyrrolate on one-half of the forehead, whereas the other half of the forehead was treated with a placebo. All patients applied topical glycopyrrolate or placebo once a day for nine successive days. Each evaluation included weighing sweat and assessing the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) score and any adverse effects. ResultsCompared with the placebo-treated sides, topical glycopyrrolate-treated sides showed a reduction in the rate of sweat production at the forehead of 25.1610.30% (mean +/- SD) at 90min after the first application (day 1), 29.63 +/- 7.74% at 24h after the first application (day 2) and 36.68 +/- 11.41% at 24h after eight additional successive daily applications (day 10) (all P<0.025). There was a little more decrease in HDSS score with the topical glycopyrrolate-treated half of the forehead, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.025). No serious adverse events were reported during the course of this study. Only one patient developed a transient headache after treatment. ConclusionTopical glycopyrrolate application appears to be significantly effective and safe in reducing excessive facial perspiration.