GoodRx Holdings Inc.

08/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/01/2024 18:38

Scopolamine Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Key takeaways:

  • Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) is a prescription medication available as a transdermal patch. It's used to prevent symptoms of motion sickness in adults. It's also used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery.

  • The recommended scopolamine dosage for motion sickness is one patch applied behind the ear for up to 3 days. Apply the patch at least 4 hours before the activity that causes motion sickness. To prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, apply the patch the night before surgery. Remove it 24 hours after surgery. Using scopolamine for longer than a few days increases your risk for scopolamine withdrawal.

  • There are ways to save on scopolamine patches, which are available as a brand-name medication and lower-cost generics. At certain pharmacies, you could save more than 50% off the average retail price for generic scopolamine with GoodRx.

Access savings to related medications

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Whether you're going on a cruise or undergoing surgery, scopolamine patches (Transderm Scop) can help prevent the nausea that some people experience with it. Compared with oral medications, scopolamine offers a pill-free alternative for long-lasting relief.

If you're prescribed scopolamine, it's good to know the typical dosage. And you may have questions about how long you can use it and if it's safe during pregnancy. We cover these topics and more below.

What's the typical scopolamine dosage?

No matter why you're prescribed scopolamine, you'll follow the same steps when applying your patch. Apply one scopolamine patch to a clean, hairless area behind your ear. Avoid areas with cuts, pain, or tenderness. Remove an old patch before applying a new one. Do not use more than one patch at a time.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

  • Scopolamine tips: Did you know that there's a right way to use scopolamine patches for motion sickness? Here's how to use scopolamine patches correctly, plus other tips for best results.

  • Real people: Read one man's firsthand account of how he managed motion sickness on his family's boat with medications, herbal remedies, and dietary changes.

  • Motion sickness remedies: Experts cover why motion sickness happens and how to get rid of it.

When you apply the patch and how long it stays on depends on the use, as described below.

Motion sickness

The typical scopolamine dosage to prevent motion sickness symptoms in adults is to apply one patch behind the ear at least 4 hours before the triggering activity. The patch can be worn for up to 3 days.

If you need motion sickness relief longer than that, remove the old patch and apply a new one.

Nausea and vomiting after surgery

The typical scopolamine dosage to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery in adults is one patch applied behind the ear the night before surgery. Remove the patch 24 hours after the surgery. If you're having a cesarean section (C-section), one patch is applied 1 hour before the procedure.

Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to use scopolamine patches to prepare for surgery.

How long can you use scopolamine patches for motion sickness?

Each scopolamine patch should be used for up to 3 days. If you need scopolamine for longer than that, change the patch after 3 days.

Using the patch longer than a few days increases your risk for scopolamine withdrawal. Scopolamine withdrawal is not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable. Symptoms of scopolamine withdrawal include nausea, headache, and blurred vision.

You can reduce your risk for scopolamine withdrawal by not using the medication longer than you need it. Also, never leave a patch on for longer than 3 days. The remaining medication in the patch can increase your risk for withdrawal symptoms.

Can scopolamine be used during pregnancy or while nursing?

The scopolamine patch doesn't seem to increase the risk for birth defects or miscarriage, according to available data. But if you've been diagnosed with preeclampsia (high blood pressure with protein in your urine), you may not be able to use the scopolamine patch because of a potential risk of seizures.

Information isn't available about whether scopolamine is safe to use while nursing. So your healthcare team will weigh the potential benefits and risks of prescribing scopolamine in your situation.

If you're pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare team before using the scopolamine patch. They can determine if the medication is safe for you and your baby.

What should you do if you take too much scopolamine?

Scopolamine patches slowly release a small amount of medication over time. So it's unlikely that you'll experience a scopolamine overdose with one patch.

But it's possible to get too much scopolamine if you forget to take the old patch off before applying a new one. Symptoms from too much scopolamine include dizziness, confusion, and a fast heartbeat. Dry, flushed skin is also possible. If you notice these symptoms, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away for guidance. Go to the ER if your symptoms seem life-threatening.

How to save on scopolamine

Scopolamine patches are available as a brand-name medication and lower-cost generics. With GoodRx discounts, you could save over 50% off the average retail price of generic scopolamine. At certain pharmacies, you could pay as little as $23.16.

The bottom line

Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) is a transdermal patch used to prevent motion sickness symptoms, as well as nausea and vomiting after surgery. Apply one patch behind your ear to a clean, hairless area. Do not apply the patch to any areas with cuts or tenderness.

The recommended scopolamine dosage for motion sickness is one patch applied 4 hours before the triggering activity. Each patch may be worn for up to 3 days. To prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, the recommended dosage is one patch applied the evening before your surgery. Remove the patch 24 hours after the procedure.

References

Lau, S. H., et al. (2014). Scopolamine patch withdrawal syndrome. Hospital Pharmacy.

MedlinePlus. (2022). C-section.

View All References (3)
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National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2024). Scopolamine. Drugs and Lactation Database.

Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Scopolamine transdermal system- scopolamine transdermal system patch, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

Riad, M., et al. (2023). Scopolamine. StatPearls.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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