Scopolamine
Scopolamine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Scopolamine is a brand name. Its generic name is Scopolamine.
Introduction
Scopolamine is a medication used to treat motion sickness and gastrointestinal disorders. It is a naturally-occurring chemical found in certain plants, of which the most common are the flowering plants of the Datura family.Uses for
Scopolamine is used to treat motion sickness, headaches, nausea and vomiting associated with various conditions such as vertigo, chemotherapy or radiation therapy and is sometimes prescribed as an adjunct treatment for arthritis and peptic ulcer disease. Additionally, it is used to reduce salivary secretions and bronchial secretions during general anesthesia to ease breathing and to relax muscles.Mechanism of Action
Scopolamine primarily works by blocking certain types of receptor sites in the brain known as muscarinic receptors. By blocking these receptors, scopolamine helps to reduce the flow of salivary secretions, bronchial secretions, gastrointestinal secretions, and other nerve signals that cause the symptoms of motion sickness.How Long Does it Take to Work?
Typically, scopolamine takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes after being taken, with peak effects being reached in 1 to 4 hours. However, it may take longer to reach peak effectiveness if the medication has been taken with food.Absorption
Scopolamine is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It is also well absorbed when administered transdermally (through the skin with a patch).Route of Elimination
Scopolamine is primarily eliminated via the kidneys through urine.Dosage
The usual dosage of scopolamine is 0.25 to 0.5 mg every 4 to 6 hours. It can be taken orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, or transdermally as a patch.Administration
For oral administration: • Adults: 0.25-0.5 mg every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum of 5mg/day • Children: 0.01-0.03mg/kg/day, up to a maximum of 0.5mg/day For intravenous administration: • Adults: 0.1-0.2mg every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum of 5mg/day • Children: 0.03-0.1mg/kg/day, up to a maximum of 0.5mg/day For transdermal administration as a patch: • Adults: One patch every three days, not to exceed 1.5mg/day • Children: Not recommendedSide Effect
Common side effects of scopolamine include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, difficulty urinating and abnormally slow heart rate. Other rare but possible side effects include confusion, agitation, seizures, hallucinations, and cardiac or respiratory arrest.Toxicity
When taken in normal doses, scopolamine is generally considered to be safe. However, when taken in high doses, it can be very toxic and can lead to serious side effects. Overdoses of scopolamine can lead to coma, respiratory arrest and death.Precaution
Patients taking scopolamine should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women, and it should not be used by people with a history of asthma, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, urinary problems, or drug addiction.Interactions
Scopolamine can interact with many medications, including antihistamines, barbiturates, narcotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines. It may also interact with some herbal supplements, such as valerian and chamomile.Disease Interactions
Scopolamine may interact with some conditions, such as bladder problems, glaucoma, asthma, or seizures. People with these conditions should use caution when taking scopolamine.Drug Interaction
Scopolamine can potentially interact with other drugs, including antihistamines, muscle relaxants, antianxiety medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, and barbiturates. Therefore, patients should be careful when taking scopolamine in combination with any other medications.Food Interactions
Scopolamine should be taken on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. Eating or drinking shortly before or soon after taking scopolamine can reduce its effectiveness.Pregnancy Use
The use of scopolamine in pregnancy is not advised. It is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid taking scopolamine, as it can cause birth defects.Lactation Use
Scopolamine is classified as Category C by the FDA, which means that it may cause harm to a developing fetus. Therefore, it is recommended that lactating mothers avoid taking scopolamine.Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an acute overdose of scopolamine may include disorientation, restlessness, extreme drowsiness, hallucination, confusion, respiratory depression, seizures and coma. If an overdose is suspected, immediate medical care should be sought.Contraindications
The use of scopolamine is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, asthma, urinary retention, or myasthenia gravis. Additionally, it is contraindicated in pregnant or lactating women and in people with a history of drug addiction.Use Directions
Scopolamine is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a maximum dose of 5 mg/day. The dose and duration of use should be determined by a healthcare practitioner. The medication should be taken with or without food but should ideally be taken on an empty stomach for maximum absorption.Storage Condition
Scopolamine should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.Volume of Distribution
The apparent volume of distribution of scopolamine is approximately 74L/kg.Half Life
The elimination half-life of scopolamine is approximately 8.3 hours for oral administration and 7.2 hours for transdermal administration.Clearance
The clearance rate of scopolamine is approximately 18 mL/min/kg.Here you find in details version of Scopolamine
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Scopolamine
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