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Scopolamine Base

Pronounced

"sko-PALL-uh-meen"

Common brand names:

Transderm-V

Uses

This skin patch is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or recovery from anesthesia and surgery. This medication works by correcting the imbalance of natural substances (acetylcholine and norepinephrine) that can occur in motion sickness. It also blocks certain signals to the brain that can cause nausea and vomiting.

This medication is not recommended for use in children.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using scopolamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Peel off the clear backing from the patch and apply the patch firmly to a clean, dry, hairless area of the skin behind the ear. The patch will slowly release the medication into your body over 3 days. Do not use the patch if it is broken, cut, or damaged. After applying the patch, do not touch or apply pressure to the patch, since doing so may cause the medication to leak out.

If you are using the patch to prevent nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, apply the patch as directed by your doctor, usually at least 4 hours before the activity that causes motion sickness. Replace the patch every 3 days until it is no longer needed.

If you are using the patch to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, apply the patch as directed by your doctor, usually the evening before surgery. If the surgery is for a cesarean section, then the patch is usually applied 1 hour before the procedure to reduce the baby's exposure to the drug. Remove and throw away the patch as directed by your doctor, usually 24 hours after surgery.

If the patch comes off or needs to be replaced, throw away the old patch and place a new one behind the other ear, on a clean, dry, hairless area. Use only one patch at a time. When throwing away the old patch, fold it in half with the sticky side together and throw away in the trash away from children and pets.

This medication can cause temporary blurred vision and widened pupils if it comes in contact with the eyes. After handling the patch, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also wash the area behind the ear where the patch was removed.

After stopping this medication, you may experience dizziness, loss of balance, nausea/vomiting, headache, muscle weakness, or slow heartbeat. If these effects occur, they usually appear 24 hours or more after you stop this medication. This is a result of your body adjusting to being off the medication. Report any such reactions to your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.