scopolamine topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

scopolamine topical

Brand name(s):

scopolamine, Transderm-Scop

What is the most important information I should know about scopolamine topical?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Scopolamine topical may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are using scopolamine topical.

What is scopolamine topical?

Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medicine. Anticholinergics have many effects in the body. For example, they decrease the secretion of fluids, slow the stomach and intestine, and dilate the pupils.

Scopolamine topical is used to relieve nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

Scopolamine topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using scopolamine topical?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease,

• liver disease,

• an enlarged prostate,

• difficulty urinating,

• bladder problems, or

• glaucoma.

You may not be able to use scopolamine topical, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Scopolamine topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether scopolamine topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use scopolamine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether scopolamine topical passes into breast milk. Do not use scopolamine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Scopolamine topical is not recommended for use by children. Children are much more sensitive to the side effects of scopolamine.

How should I use scopolamine topical?

Use scopolamine topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Scopolamine topical is applied as a patch to the skin behind the ear. One patch should be applied 4 hours before travel.

Apply the patch to dry, hairless skin behind the ear. Each patch is effective for 3 days. After 3 days, remove the patch and apply a new one, if necessary, behind the other ear.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling a patch. Do not let the medication get near your eyes. If it does get into your eyes, you may experience dry or itchy eyes, dilated pupils, and blurred vision. These effects generally do not require treatment and will go away on their own. Rinse the eyes with water and notify your doctor if necessary.

Keep the patch as dry as possible while wearing it. It should remain in place even while bathing or swimming. If the patch falls off, replace it with a new patch behind the other ear.

Do not use more than one patch at a time. Store scopolamine topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a scopolamine topical overdose include drowsiness, dizziness, agitation, excitability, seizures or convulsions, hallucinations, and death.

What should I avoid while using scopolamine topical?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Scopolamine topical may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are using scopolamine topical.