Scopoderm Patches
Scopoderm patches contain the active ingredient scopolamine hydrobromide (also called hyoscine hydrobromide), which is used to alleviate the symptoms of travel sickness. Travel sickness, also called motion sickness, is believed to be caused by the brain’s attempt to process conflicting signals about the body’s position in relation to what the eyes perceive when travelling in a car, on a boat or plane. Scopoderm Patches are manufactured by Novartis.
How Do Scopoderm Patches Work?
The active ingredient in Scopoderm patches is believed to work by preventing signals from reaching the areas of the brain that control vomiting (vomition centres). Scopolamine blocks the muscarinic (or cholinergic) receptors in the brain, which in turn, prevents the brain from sending signals to the stomach to cause vomiting. The patches are embedded with the active ingredient, which is delivered in very small amounts through the skin (transdermally).
How Should Scopoderm Patches be Used?
Scopoderm patches should be applied to the clean, dry skin just behind the ear at least five hours prior to travel. One patch can prevent travel sickness for up to 72 hours, but should be removed right after travel, if 72 hours have not elapsed. If the trip exceeds 72 hours, such as on a cruise ship, remove the old patch and put the new patch behind the opposite ear. Do not apply more than one patch at a time or to broken or irritated skin.
Travel sickness patches like Scopoderm, should be applied before travel commences, because once you start feeling sick, it’s harder to control, since the brain’s muscarinic receptors are already receiving the signals that cause vomiting.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the patches. Also, wash the area where the patch was after removing it. Showering or short exposure to water should not affect the patch, however, long exposure to water, such as in swimming or baths should be avoided. If a patch falls off, replace it with a new one behind the opposite ear.
How Effective are Scopoderm Patches?
Scopoderm patches are very effective in the prevention of travel sickness. The medication in the patch is gradually released and in such small amounts (approximately 330 micrograms per day), that overdose is virtually impossible when used as directed.
Scopoderm Patch Side Effects
Scopoderm patches are generally well tolerated; however, some side effects are:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Dilated pupils
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Difficulty urinating
Do not drive a car or operate machinery if you experience blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drink alcohol, as it can worsen side effects. Nausea, vomiting, headache and balance disturbances have been reported after removal of the patch when using travel sickness patches over a period of several days.
What Other Medications Affect Scopoderm Patches?
Be sure to talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Scopolamine may counteract drugs used to increase intestinal motility, such as metoclopramide or domperidone.
The use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, painkillers, antihistamines and other drugs in combination with scopolamine may intensify drowsiness and other side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision or difficult urination.
Who Should Not Use Scopoderm Patches?
Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to hyoscine hydrobromide. It is not recommended for the elderly or children under age 10. If you have an enlarged prostate or have difficulty urinating, do not use this medicine, as it may further aggravate the condition. Do not take this medicine if you have epilepsy, Down’s syndrome, kidney or liver disease, pyloric stenosis, obstruction of the stomach or intestines or have a history of glaucoma.
