Scopolamine
About Scopolamine
Scopolamine belongs to a group of medicines called antimuscarinics used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or medications used during surgery. Nausea is an uneasy feeling in which the person feels an urge to vomit, whereas vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
Scopolamine contains Scopolamine, which works by blocking the effects of a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) on the central nervous system. Thereby, it helps prevent nausea and vomiting.
In some cases, Scopolamine may cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, and sweating. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know Scopolamine affects you. Do not consume alcohol while on treatment with Scopolamine as it could lead to side effects. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions/side effects.
Uses of Scopolamine
Medicinal Benefits
Scopolamine belongs to a group of medicines called antimuscarinics used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or medications used during surgery. Scopolamine contains Scopolamine, which works by blocking the effects of a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) on the central nervous system. Thereby, it helps prevent nausea and vomiting.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Scopolamine
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Sweating
Drug Warnings
Do not use Scopolamine if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have angle-closure glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, seizures, psychotic disorders, stomach or intestinal obstruction, preeclampsia, difficulty urinating, severe breathing problems, enlarged prostate, overactive thyroid, myasthenia gravis, heart, kidney or liver disease. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let the doctor know if you are using any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking sedatives (zolpidem), benzodiazepine (lorazepam), antihistamine (diphenhydramine), antidepressant (duloxetine, cyclobenzaprine, escitalopram), or anticonvulsant (pregabalin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, gastrointestinal obstruction, myasthenia gravis, obstructive neuropathy, or heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption as it may cause side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Talk to your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Scopolamine.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether scopolamine passes into breast milk. Please consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionScopolamine may cause blurred vision or impair your reactions. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
consult your doctorLimited information is available. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Scopolamine in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Drink fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid solid foods until the vomiting stops.
- Avoid foods that might cause stomach upset.
- Take ample rest. Avoid any activity immediately after eating.
- Consume plain, light foods such as bread and biscuits.
- Avoid food with strong flavours and fried food.
- Ginger tea might help in proper digestion.
Special Advise
- Avoid swimming or bathing after applying the patch, as it may cause the patch to fall off.
- If the patch falls off, discard it and apply a new one on the hairless area behind the other ear.
- Let the doctor know that you are using Scopolamine if you are due to undergo any surgery.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Nausea/Vomiting: Nausea is an uneasy feeling in which the person feels an urge to vomit, whereas vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting may occur separately or together. The common causes include motion sickness, emotional stress, indigestion, food poisoning, high fever, overeating, or due to medications.
FAQs
Scopolamine is used to treat Nausea and vomiting.
Scopolamine works by blocking the effects of a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) on the central nervous system. Thereby, it helps prevent nausea and vomiting.
Dry mouth could be a side effect of Scopolamine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and, drinking water regularly, chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva, thereby preventing drying of the mouth.
Scopolamine may decrease sweating and cause heat stroke. Therefore, avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during exercise and in hot weather.
Scopolamine may cause withdrawal symptoms if used for several days or longer. Consult the doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach cramps, difficulty with balance, headache, sweating, confusion, slow heart rate, low blood pressure or muscle weakness.