Scopolamine Uses

Scopolamine is used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. It is also used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by anesthesia and opiate analgesics. 

There may be other uses of scopolamine transdermal patch. Your healthcare professional or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Scopolamine Mechanism of Action

Scopolamine exerts anticholinergic effects on the vomiting center in the central nervous system. It blocks muscarinic receptors and inhibits the action of a natural substance called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine affects the muscles of the stomach and bowels. By blocking the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, scopolamine leads to decreased parasympathetic activity and has a calming effect on gut muscles, thus preventing nausea and vomiting.

Scopolamine Doses

Scopolamine is available as a 1-mg transdermal patch. Each patch delivers medicine over a period of 3 days. To prevent motion sickness, you should apply one transdermal patch behind your ear a minimum of 4 hours before the anticipated activities that cause motion sickness. You can leave the patch on for 3 days. To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by anesthesia or surgery, you should apply one transdermal patch the evening before surgery and remove it 24 hours following the surgery.