Generic name: scopolamine transdermal [ skoe-PAL-a-meen ]
Dosage form: transdermal film, extended release (1 mg/72 hr)
Drug classes: Anticholinergic antiemetics, Anticholinergics / antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 6, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is scopolamine transdermal?

Scopolamine transdermal (skin patch) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or from anesthesia given during surgery.

Scopolamine transdermal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Scopolamine transdermal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, skin redness; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Remove the skin patch and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe dizziness;

• confusion, agitation, extreme fear, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

• a seizure;

• eye pain or redness, blurred vision, dilated pupils;

• decreased urination, painful or difficult urination; or

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of scopolamine transdermal may include:

• dry mouth, sore throat;

• blurred vision or other eye problems;

• drowsiness, dizziness;

• confusion; or

• feeling agitated or irritable.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

ondansetron, hydroxyzine, lorazepam, olanzapine, dexamethasone, promethazine, diphenhydramine

Warnings

You should not use scopolamine transdermal if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to scopolamine or similar medicines such as methscopolamine, hyoscyamine, or atropine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to scopolamine or similar medicines such as methscopolamine, hyoscyamine, or atropine, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a seizure;

• mental illness or psychosis;

• urination problems; or

• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Scopolamine transdermal is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use scopolamine transdermal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Scopolamine transdermal is for use only on the skin.

The scopolamine transdermal skin patch is applied to a hairless area of skin just behind your ear. In some cases, a healthcare provider will apply the patch just before your surgery.

To prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, the skin patch is usually applied the evening before surgery. Keep wearing the patch for 24 hours after your surgery, then remove it and throw it away.

If you use scopolamine transdermal at home, read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wear only 1 patch at a time. Do not cut or tear the patch.

To prevent motion sickness, apply the skin patch at least 4 hours before you will be exposed to a situation that may cause motion sickness.

If the skin patch falls off, replace it with a new one. Limit the amount of time you spend in water (swimming or bathing) or the patch may fall off.

You may wear the skin patch for up to 3 days. If you need to use scopolamine transdermal for longer than 3 days, remove the patch and place a new one behind your other ear.

Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling a scopolamine transdermal skin patch, whether you are applying it or removing it. Also wash the skin behind your ear where the patch was worn. Use soap and water and then dry thoroughly.

After removing a patch, fold it closed with the sticky side in, and throw it away in a place where pets and children cannot reach it.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using scopolamine transdermal.

The scopolamine transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.

You may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you stop using scopolamine transdermal. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each patch in its foil wrapper until you are ready to apply a patch.

Scopolamine transdermal dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting:

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV): Apply 1 patch to the hairless area behind the ear the evening before scheduled surgery

Comment: The patch should be kept in place for 24 hours following surgery.

Use: Prevention of PONV (in surgeries other than cesarean sections) associated with recovery from anesthesia and/or opiate anesthesia and surgery

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting -- Postoperative:

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV): Apply 1 patch to the hairless area behind the ear the evening before scheduled surgery

Comment: The patch should be kept in place for 24 hours following surgery.

Use: Prevention of PONV (in surgeries other than cesarean sections) associated with recovery from anesthesia and/or opiate anesthesia and surgery

Usual Adult Dose for Motion Sickness:

Apply 1 patch to the hairless area behind the ear at least 4 hours before antiemetic effect is needed

Comment: Patches may be replaced every 3 days as needed.

Use: Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since scopolamine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not wear more than 1 patch at a time.

Call your doctor for instructions if you forget to apply the patch as directed before surgery.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause vision problems, severe drowsiness, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, painful or difficult urination, hot or dry skin, fast heartbeats, seizure, or loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while using scopolamine transdermal?

Avoid touching your eyes just after applying a scopolamine transdermal skin patch. The medication contained in the patch can dilate your pupils and cause blurred vision.

Scopolamine transdermal may impair your thinking or reactions. You may feel drowsy, confused, lost, or disoriented. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid driving, water sports, or operating machinery until you know how scopolamine transdermal will affect you.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

What other drugs will affect scopolamine transdermal?

Scopolamine slows the digestive tract, which can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if any of your oral medications do not seem to work as well while you are using scopolamine transdermal.

Using scopolamine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;

• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;

• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;

• medicine to treat overactive bladder; or

• bronchodilator asthma medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect scopolamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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