Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Scopolamine

Scopolamine: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Scopolamine?

Scopolamine is a prescription medicine containing hyoscine hydrobromide. It belongs to the class of antiemetic drugs. 

Scopolamine decreases the secretions in the gastrointestinal tract and prevents nerve signals from going to the brain. It restores the balance between certain chemicals, like acetylcholine and norepinephrine.

What are the Uses of Scopolamine?

Scopolamine minimizes the severity of nausea and vomiting in multiple conditions, including motion sickness, by blocking nerve signals to the brain and stomach.

The administration of scopolamine is through topical, intravenous, or oral. The simplest way is to use topical Scopolamine as a skin patch, which is especially effective for relieving anesthesia recovery-associated nausea and vomiting associated post-surgeries or motion sickness. 

Scopolamine is also helpful to treat Parkinson-like conditions, stomach and intestinal disorders, and muscle spasms.

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    What are the Side Effects of Scopolamine?

    Scopolamine may cause side effects associated with vision. These include blurring, photophobia, or dilation of the pupils. Besides, one may experience the following common side effects in standard dosages:

    • Restlessness
    • Dizziness 
    • Dryness of skin
    • Thirst or dryness of mouth
    • Pain or difficulty while urinating

    You should consult a physician if you notice the following signs:

    • Blockage of urine
    • Feeling of confusion
    • Difficulty in swallowing
    • Faster heartbeats
    • A sense of fear and suspicion (paranoia) 

    Discuss Scopolamine’s side effects and precautions with your doctor before starting the medicine.

    What is Scopolamine

    Uses of Scopolamine

    Side effects of Scopolamine

    References

    1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/scopolamine
    2. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/scopolamine.html
    3. https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/beating-the-scopolamine-clock/3009513.article

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Scopolamine

    Scopolamine is not illegal in India. It is available as a transdermal patch in 1.5 mg dosage for various indications. Place the patch behind the ear a couple of hours before the journey to prevent motion sickness.

    Detection of Scopolamine in body fluids is possible. You need to get the urine sample within a stipulated period after the drug’s administration.

    Researchers have used the latest laboratory techniques to detect Scopolamine. The tests for the drug’s active metabolites may be helpful within 48 hours of exposure.

    The effect of the Scopolamine patch may last for up to 12 to 24 hours after the administration. However, the period may vary as per the dosage and route of administration.
    The half-life of Scopolamine is 9.5 hours. Its elimination is faster through the oral passage.

    There is insufficient data about the fatal doses of Scopolamine. According to some reports, a dose of 50 mg Scopolamine is lethal if administered through the oral route.

    Overdose of Scopolamine may cause loss of consciousness, severe drowsiness, or seizures. You should immediately report to a physician if these symptoms are present.

    Scopolamine causes suppression of nerve signals and reduction of certain chemicals in the gastrointestinal tract. These effects help reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting because of the overstimulation of the labyrinth during traveling. It also relieves muscle spasms because of stomach problems or Parkinson-like conditions.

    Scopolamine blocks the nerve impulses to the brain and can relieve spasms and also reduce vomiting. Scopolamine may also have a direct action on the vomiting center in the brain.

    You should avoid Scopolamine if you are allergic to it. Individuals who have a history of brain injury or tumor should not use it.

    Difficulty urinating, breathing disorders, intestinal blockages, and narrow-angle glaucoma are other contraindications. Doctors do not recommend Scopolamine in pregnancy or lactation unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

    Avoid contact with your eyes because the drug can cause dilation of pupils and result in blurry vision. Scopolamine can also raise the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) and increase the chances of developing acute angle-closure glaucoma. Always wash your hands immediately after using the Scopolamine patch.

    Scopolamine dilates the pupils, and this may lead to blurred vision. People who have narrow-angle glaucoma should not use the drug.

    Inform the doctor about your condition before using Scopolamine. Check if you experience blurry vision and glaucoma.

    Application of the transdermal patch of Scopolamine can prevent motion sickness. Motion sickness occurs when the nerve impulses from the vestibule in the ear reach the vomiting center in the brain.

    Scopolamine blocks the communication between this vestibule and the vomiting center to prevent motion sickness. Hence, the Scopolamine patch goes behind the ear.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Buscopan Hyoscine 20mg Injection
    2. Buscomide Hyoscine butylbromide 10mg+paracetamol 325mg Tablet
    3. Transderm scop 1mg Patch
    4. Scopolamine 1mg/1.5mg Patch
    5. Buscogast Hyoscine butylbromide 20mg Injection