Drug reference

scopolamine

Natural alkaloid, muscarinic antagonist · Anticholinergic

Natural alkaloid, muscarinic antagonistAnticholinergicATC A04AD01

CDSCO approvedATC A04AD01

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

5 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactionssee all 5 →

DextropropoxypheneSevereDatabaseDDInter
Potassium ChlorideSevereDatabaseDDInter
Potassium CitrateSevereDatabaseDDInter
TopiramateSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Similar to atropine but with prominent central effects at low therapeutic doses due to greater permeation across the blood-brain barrier. Blocks neural pathways from the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear to the emetic center in the brainstem for motion sickness.

Indications

Motion sicknessAdjunct to anesthetic agents (formerly)Preanesthetic medication (formerly)Prevention and treatment of motion sicknessPostoperative nausea and vomiting (some activity)cycloplegiamydriasisiritisuveitisnystagmusSignificant upper airway secretions (during ventilator withdrawal)Death rattle (to reduce secretions)

Dosing

Adult: Transdermal patch: 1.5 mg every 3 days. Also injectable (hydrobromide).

Side effects

Common

DrowsinessAmnesiaFatigueDreamless sleepReduction in REM sleepXerostomia (transdermal patch)Blurred vision (transdermal patch)MydriasisCycloplegiaEuphoriaDry mouthVisual disturbancesConstipation

Serious