scopolamine

Scopolamine is a tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent derived from plants of the nightshade family. It acts primarily as a competitive antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, inhibiting parasympathetic nerve impulses. Scopolamine is used mainly to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and postoperative recovery from anesthesia or opioid analgesia. It can also be used for gastrointestinal spasms, irritable bowel syndrome, preoperative reduction of respiratory secretions, and other indications such as clozapine-induced drooling or bowel colic. The most common formulation is a transdermal patch applied behind the ear that delivers medication over three days[1][3][4][5][10]. Side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, confusion, tachycardia or bradycardia, urinary retention, constipation, hallucinations (especially at high doses), and withdrawal symptoms if discontinued after prolonged use[1][4][5]. Scopolamine is listed by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine due to its effectiveness and low cost[9].

Brand names

Transderm ScopTransderm-VMaldemar

Other names

scopolamine hydrobromidehyoscine hydrobromide