Scopolamine
Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication primarily used to prevent and treat motion sickness and post-operative nausea and vomiting by blocking muscarinic receptors in the brain.
An anticholinergic medication used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, particularly associated with motion sickness or after surgery.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A04AD01
- RxNorm
- 9601
- Generic
- Scopolamine
- Class
- atc-a04
- Brands
- Donnatal, Phenohytro, Transderm Scop
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, ophthalmic
- Forms
- tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1.5mg patch
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 3 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1.5mg patch
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 3 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1.5mg patch
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 3 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid close to delivery
avoid use near term due to potential effects on uterine activity
monitor uterine activity if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
nursinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for anticholinergic effects including drowsiness and decreased lactation
observe infant for sedation, irritability, decreased feeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lowest dose, consider dose reduction
increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects; monitor for confusion, sedation, urinary retention, constipation
regular assessment of cognitive function, gait stability, and urinary output
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrennot recommended
do not use in children due to risk of severe anticholinergic reactions and paradoxical excitement
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose, monitor renal function
use with caution in patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min; dose adjustment may be required
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce dose, monitor liver function
use with caution in hepatic impairment; metabolism may be reduced
monitor liver function tests and for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Anticholinergic medication classification for antimuscarinic agents
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications for Scopolamine formulations
FDA approval year (Transderm Scop)
Original FDA approval date for transdermal scopolamine patch
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism blocking acetylcholine receptors
Prevention and treatment of motion sickness, post-operative nausea and vomiting, and sometimes used for vertigo associated with inner ear disorders. May also be used to reduce secretions during certain medical procedures.
Functions as an anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent that blocks acetylcholine receptors in the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone and vestibular system, reducing signals that trigger nausea and vomiting.
Often administered as a transdermal patch (behind the ear) for motion sickness. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, urinary retention, or certain cardiac conditions. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy