Scopolamine transdermal

Scopolamine transdermal (skin patch) is used in adults to stop nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or from anesthesia and opioid pain medicine used during surgery.

Scopolamine transdermal may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not change your dose or stop using scopolamine transdermal without your doctor's advice.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Apply the patch to a clean, dry, hairless area of skin just behind your ear. In some cases, a healthcare provider will apply the patch just before your surgery.

To prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, follow your doctor's instructions about when to apply scopolamine transdermal before your scheduled surgery. Keep wearing the patch for 24 hours after your surgery, then remove it and throw it away.

If you use scopolamine transdermal at home, read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not wear more than one patch at a time. Never cut a skin patch.

To prevent motion sickness, apply the skin patch at least 4 hours before you will be exposed to a situation that may cause motion sickness.

If the skin patch falls off, replace it with a new one. Limit the amount of time you spend in water (swimming or bathing), or the patch may fall off.

You may wear the skin patch for up to 3 days. If you need to use scopolamine transdermal for longer than 3 days, remove the patch and place a new one behind your other ear.

Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling a scopolamine transdermal skin patch, whether you are applying it or removing it. Also wash the skin behind your ear where the patch was worn. Use soap and water and then dry thoroughly.

After removing a patch, fold it closed with the sticky side in, and throw it away in a place where pets and children cannot reach it.

You may need frequent vision exams.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests such as gastric secretion test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using scopolamine transdermal.

Remove the patch before undergoing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or the patch could burn your skin.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using scopolamine transdermal after using it for several days. Call your doctor if your symptoms become severe.

Store in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep each patch in its foil wrapper until you are ready to apply it.

You should not use scopolamine transdermal if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to scopolamine transdermal or similar medicines such as methscopolamine, hyoscyamine, or atropine, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• glaucoma;
• a seizure;
• mental illness or psychosis;
• urination problems;
• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• high blood pressure and fluid retention during pregnancy (preeclampsia); or
• liver or kidney disease.

It is not known if scopolamine transdermal will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, confusion, hallucinations, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active, or talkative.

Some people have withdrawal symptoms after stopping scopolamine transdermal for several days, such as balance problems, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, increased sweating, confusion, muscle weakness, a slow heart rate, or a feeling like you might faint. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms and they become severe.

Remove the skin patch and call your doctor if you develop a severe increase in body temperature, decreased sweating, blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights, or dilated pupils.

Scopolamine transdermal may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• a seizure;
• decreased urination, painful or difficult urination; or
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of scopolamine transdermal may include:

• dry mouth, sore throat;
• blurred vision or other eye problems;
• drowsiness, dizziness;
• confusion; or
• feeling agitated or irritable.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting:

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV): Apply 1 patch to the hairless area behind the ear the evening before scheduled surgeryComment: The patch should be kept in place for 24 hours following surgery.Use: Prevention of PONV (in surgeries other than cesarean sections) associated with recovery from anesthesia and/or opiate anesthesia and surgery

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting -- Postoperative:

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV): Apply 1 patch to the hairless area behind the ear the evening before scheduled surgeryComment: The patch should be kept in place for 24 hours following surgery.Use: Prevention of PONV (in surgeries other than cesarean sections) associated with recovery from anesthesia and/or opiate anesthesia and surgery

Usual Adult Dose for Motion Sickness:

Apply 1 patch to the hairless area behind the ear at least 4 hours before antiemetic effect is neededComment: Patches may be replaced every 3 days as needed.Use: Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness

Scopolamine transdermal is used as needed. If you have a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at once.

Contact your doctor for guidance if you forget to apply the patch as directed before surgery.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Avoid touching your eyes right after applying a scopolamine transdermal skin patch. The medication in the patch can make your pupils larger and cause blurred vision.

Avoid applying pressure to the skin where the patch is placed, as this may cause the medicine to leak out from the edges.

Avoid sources of heat, becoming overheated, or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather while wearing the patch. Scopolamine transdermal can reduce sweating, and you may be at greater risk for a dangerous increase in body temperature.

Avoid driving, water sports, or operating machinery until you know how scopolamine transdermal will affect you. Your reactions may be impaired.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Using scopolamine transdermal with other medications that cause drowsiness can make this effect stronger. Check with your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Inform your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• medicine for depression, mood disorders, or mental illness;
• cold or allergy medicine (like Benadryl and others);
• medicine for Parkinson's disease;
• medicine for stomach issues, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;
• medicine for an overactive bladder; or
• bronchodilator asthma medication.

This list is not complete. Other medications may influence how scopolamine transdermal works, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are mentioned here.