Indications
Transderm Scop is a prescription medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, medications used during surgery, or cancer chemotherapy. It is a skin patch that contains scopolamine. Scopolamine is a belladonna alkaloid with anticholinergic effects and can be administered as a transdermal patch. Scopolamine works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating nausea and vomiting.
Uses and Dosage
Scopolamine comes as a patch that should be applied to the hairless skin behind your ear at least 4 hours before its effects will be needed. The patch is to be left in place for up to 3 days. If your treatment needs to go beyond 3 days, remove the current patch, and apply a new one behind the other ear.
When used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by medications used with surgery, follow your doctor's directions, and leave the patch in place for 24 hours after your surgery. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions on your prescription label and ask your doctor or pharmacist for any clarification. Use Scopolamine patch only as directed.
To apply the patch, follow these instructions:
- After washing the area behind the ear, wipe the area with a clean, dry tissue to ensure that the area is dry. Avoid placing it on areas of your skin that have cuts, pain, or tenderness.
- Remove the patch from its protective pouch. Peel off the clear plastic protective strip and discard it. Do not touch the exposed adhesive layer with your fingers.
- Place the adhesive side against the skin.
- After you have placed the patch behind your ear, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Transderm Scop (Scopolamine):
- Blurred vision or other eye problems
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Feeling agitated or irritable
- Sore throat
Serious Side Effects of Transderm Scop (Scopolamine):
- Agitation
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Decreased urination
- Dilated pupils
- Extreme fear
- Eye pain or redness
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Painful or difficult urination
- Severe dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Unusual thoughts or behavior
- Vomiting
Form and Strength
Transderm Scop (Scopolamine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Transderm Scop: Motion Sickness Patch
- 1.5 mg
Caution
- Patients with glaucoma should use this medication with caution, as scopolamine can increase intraocular pressure.
- Scopolamine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, which can impair your ability to operate a vehicle or machinery.
- Patients with liver, kidney, or heart disease, as well as those with Down syndrome or an enlarged prostate, may need to use this medication with caution or at a lower dose.
- Scopolamine can cause dry mouth, which can be worsened by antihistamines, stimulants, or other medications that also cause dry mouth.
- Patients with a history of alcoholism or drug abuse may need to be monitored more closely while using this medication.
- Patients pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using this medication unless advised by their doctor.
- Scopolamine may interact with other medications, including sedatives, tranquilizers, and antidepressants, and could cause serious side effects.
- Patients with a history of allergic reactions to scopolamine or other anticholinergics should not use this medication.
- Scopolamine can cause skin irritation, so patients should avoid applying the patch to areas of irritated or broken skin.
- Patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy may need to be monitored more closely while using this medication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Transderm Scop cause drowsiness?
Yes, drowsiness is a common side effect of Transderm Scop. Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Is Transderm Scop habit-forming?
No, Transderm Scop is not considered habit-forming.
How long does it take for a Transderm Scop patch to start working?
It typically takes about 4 hours for the medication to start working after the patch is applied.
Can Transderm Scop be used for children?
Transderm Scop is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years old, as there is not enough data to support its safety and efficacy in this population.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682509.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/transderm-scop.html
- https://www.rxlist.com/transderm-scop-drug.htm
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/017874s038lbl.pdf
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b877a694-a1d0-4280-937a-a06820b12a88
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14036/transderm-scop-transdermal/details
- https://www.goodrx.com/scopolamine/what-is
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