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Scopolamine

Supportive Care

Brand names:

Transderm-Scop®

Often used for:

Nausea and vomiting, Motion sickness, Drooling (excessive mouth secretions), GI (gastrointestinal) spasm

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What is scopolamine?

Scopolamine works by blocking the effects of a certain natural chemical on the central nervous system. It may be used to prevent motion sickness and control nausea and vomiting. It may also be used to treat GI (gastrointestinal) spasms.

This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home.

Brain

May be given as a patch placed on the skin (usually behind the ear) 

 
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Possible side effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision or vision changes
  • Dizziness 
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Skin irritation where the patch is placed

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take scopolamine will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist.

  • Tell your health care providers about all of your child’s allergies.
  • This medicine may make your child dizzy or drowsy. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous, such as driving a car or riding a bike, until you see how this medicine affects them.
  • Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids.
  • If your child has been taking this medicine on a regular basis and stops taking it, they may have signs of withdrawal. Do not stop giving this medicine without talking to your health care team.
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Scopolamine at home:

  • Skin patch: Follow the instructions given by your care team. Do not put on more than 1 patch at a time.
  • Wash hands before and after applying the skin patch.
  • The skin patch contains metal. Remove before having an MRI imaging test.
  • Store at room temperature.   

Learn more about scopolamine

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: June 2025