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Before Using This Medicine
Why is this medication prescribed?
Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and
vomiting caused by motion sickness.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for
other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Scopolamine comes as a patch to be placed on the
skin behind your ear. Apply one patch to a clean, dry, hairless area
behind the ear. The patch should be applied at least 4 hours before
its effects will be needed. Each patch is good for 3 days. Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use
the scopolamine patch exactly as directed.
To apply the patch, follow the directions
provided by the manufacturer and these steps:
 | After washing the area behind the ear, wipe the area with a
clean, dry tissue to ensure that the area is dry.
| Remove the patch from its protective pouch. To expose the
adhesive surface of the patch, the clear plastic protective
strip should be peeled off and discarded. Contact with the
exposed adhesive layer should be avoided to prevent
contamination of fingers with scopolamine. Temporary blurred
vision and dilation of the pupils may result if scopolamine
comes into contact with your eyes.
| Place the adhesive side against the skin.
| Press the patch firmly for 10-20 seconds. Be sure that the
edges adhere to your skin.
| After you have placed the patch behind your ear, wash your
hands thoroughly. |
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At the end of 3 days, or when the scopolamine
patch is no longer needed, remove the patch and throw it away. Wrap
the patch in tissue or paper to avoid exposing anyone else to the
remaining medication. Wash your hands and the area behind your ear
thoroughly to remove any traces of scopolamine from the area. If a
new patch needs to be applied, place a fresh patch on the hairless
area behind your other ear.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using scopolamine patches,
| tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
scopolamine or any other drugs.
| tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
medications that decrease mental alertness; cough, cold, and
allergy products; and vitamins.
| tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; heart,
liver, or kidney disease; stomach or intestinal obstruction; or
difficulty urinating.
| tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using
scopolamine patches, call your doctor immediately.
| if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are using scopolamine patches.
| you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how scopolamine
patches will affect you. This is especially important during the
first 3-5 days of therapy and when your dose is increased.
| talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while taking
this drug. Alcohol increases the side effects caused by
scopolamine patches. |
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What should I do if I forget a dose?
Apply the missed patch as soon as you remember
it. Do not apply more than one patch at a time.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from scopolamine patches
are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
| drowsiness
| disorientation
| dry mouth
| blurred vision
| dilated pupils
| confusion
| hallucinations
| difficulty urinating
| rash |
| | | | | | | |
If you experience any of the following symptoms,
remove the patch and call your doctor immediately:
| eye pain
| dizziness
| rapid pulse |
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What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came
in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the
bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison
control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is
not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the
laboratory.
The patch is not affected by limited exposure to
water during bathing or swimming.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription.
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