$Unique_ID{BRK02130}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{SCOPOLAMINE (TRANSDERMAL)}
$Subject{Transderm-Scop (Ciba)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


SCOPOLAMINE (TRANSDERMAL)
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Transderm-Scop (Ciba)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antiemetic and antivertigo
INGREDIENT:
     scopolamine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Transdermal system (the patch delivers 0.5 mg of scopolamine over three
       days)
STORAGE:
     The patches should be stored at room temperature in their original
       containers away from direct heat and light.

USES

     Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion
sickness.  Scopolamine is one of a group of substances known as belladonna
alkaloids.  Transdermal scopolamine is a small patch that is applied to the
skin.  Transdermal application (i.e. application of medicine through the skin)
delivers reduced doses of scopolamine, which are large enough to be effective
but small enough to decrease the risk of adverse side effects.

TREATMENT

     The transdermal system (patches) allows controlled continuous release of
scopolamine.  Patches are easy to use and convenient.  For best results, wash
and dry hands thoroughly before handling.  Apply the disc to the hairless area
of the skin behind the ear at least four hours before the antiemetic effect is
required.  Do not place over any cuts or irritations.  Wash hands thoroughly
after handling the disc to prevent direct contact of the medication with the
eyes.  The medication should last up to three days.  If treatment is needed
for more than three days, discard the used disc, and replace with a new disc
behind the other ear.  It is all right to bathe or shower with a patch in
place.  If the disc becomes displaced at any time during treatment, it should
be discarded, and a fresh one placed on the hairless area behind the other
ear.  If redness or irritation develops at the application site, consult your
physician.  Do not trim or cut the patches.  This alters the dose of the
medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision and dilation of pupils; drowsiness; or dryness of mouth,
nose, and throat.
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or hard
candy.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT
blurred vision (severe); confusion (severe); convulsions; difficulty in
breathing; dizziness; drowsiness (severe); dry mouth, nose, or throat
(severe); eye pain (severe); fast heart beat; fever; rash; slurred speech;
unusual excitement or restlessness; unusual warmth; dryness; or flushing of
the skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Scopolamine can interact with other types of medications:
     1. It can cause additive drowsiness when combined with alcohol or other
central nervous system depressants (such as antihistamines, barbiturates,
benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and pain
medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants.
     2. It can cause additive anticholinergic effects (such as dryness of
mouth, nose, and throat, or difficulty in urinating) when combined with drugs
such as belladonna alkaloids, antidepressants, and antihistamines.
     Before starting to take scopolamine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to scopolamine.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had blockage of
the urinary tract, stomach, or intestinal tract.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had metabolic,
liver, or kidney disease.
     * Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the
eyeball).
     * This medication may cause drowsiness or blurred vision.  Make sure you
know how you react to this medication before you attempt activities such as
driving a car or operating potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Patients who use the patch for more than three days are more likely to
experience dizziness, headache, nausea, or vomiting for a short time following
discontinuation.
     * Do not use the transdermal system on children.
     * Elderly patients may be especially susceptible to the central nervous
system effects (confusion, sedation, memory impairment, unusual excitement) of
scopolamine.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies in
pregnant women have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding.  It is not known whether scopolamine passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
