Scopolamine (also known as hyoscine) is used to treat
cramps (spasms) of the stomach, intestines, kidney, and bladder. It helps
to relieve discomfort caused by conditions such as irritable bowel
syndrome, gallstones, kidney stones, and overactive/spastic bladder. It
works by slowing down the natural movements of the gut and by relaxing the
muscles in these parts of the body. This medication is a belladonna
alkaloid. It belongs to the class of drugs known as
antispasmodics.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed
without consulting your doctor. Do not take more than 60 milligrams of this
medication a day.
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Drink
plenty of fluids while you are taking this medication unless your doctor
directs you otherwise.
Antacids and certain anti-diarrhea drugs (adsorbent-type
drugs such as kaolin-pectin, attapulgite) lower the absorption of
scopolamine. If you also take these medications, take scopolamine at least
1 hour before taking them.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Dry mouth, nausea, decreased sweating, flushing, blurred
vision, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or
ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva
substitute.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- shortness of breath
- trouble urinating
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
This medication may increase the pressure inside the
eyes of people with a certain type of eye disease (narrow-angle glaucoma)
or those at risk for it. Get medical help right away if any of these
serious side effects occur:
- vision problems (such as loss of vision)
- eye pain
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking scopolamine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other belladonna alkaloids
(such as atropine, hyoscyamine); or if you have any other allergies. This
product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- glaucoma
- myasthenia gravis
- trouble urinating (for example, due to enlarged
prostate)
- heart problems (such as fast heartbeat, abnormal heart
rhythm, heart failure, coronary artery disease, angina, mitral
stenosis)
- other stomach/intestinal problems (such as slow gut,
blockage, megacolon, infection, ulcerative colitis)
- high blood pressure
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- heartburn problems (such as acid reflux, hiatal hernia)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This drug may increase the risk for heatstroke because
it decreases sweating. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather, saunas,
and during exercise or other strenuous activity.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, trouble
urinating, or eye problems.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- pramlintide
- potassium tablets/capsules
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness or cause your heart to beat faster. Ask your pharmacist about
using those products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as gastric secretion test), possibly causing false test results. Make
sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
extreme drowsiness, trouble breathing, hot/dry skin, fever, mental/mood
changes, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.