Commonly reported side effects of scopolamine include: drowsiness and xerostomia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Applies to scopolamine: transdermal patch extended release
Along with its needed effects, scopolamine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking scopolamine:
Incidence not knownGet emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking scopolamine:
Symptoms of overdoseApplies to scopolamine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral tablet, transdermal film extended release
Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia
Frequency not reported: Blood pressure decreased, flushing, bradycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, fatal acute myocardial infarction, fatal cardiac arrest[Ref]
Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (29%)
Frequency not reported: Vomiting[Ref]
Recurrent classic migraine attacks developed in a 20-year-old naval crew member who had been treated continuously with transdermal scopolamine for 5 months. The initial attack occurred within 24 hours of diagnosis of scopolamine intoxication. The patient had no self or family history of migraines. The attacks, presenting with prodrome and aura, followed by severe throbbing left headache, nausea, photophobia and sonophobia lasting 6 to 8 hours, recurred every 10 to 14 days for more than a year. Common triggers of migraines and other precipitating factors could not be identified in this case.[Ref]
Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (12.4%), somnolence
Rare (less than 0.1%): Memory impairment, disturbance in attention
Postmarketing reports: Headache, amnesia, coordination abnormalities, speech disorder, vertigo[Ref]
Very common (10% or more): Disturbances of visual accommodation (cycloplegia, including blurred vision, myopia, and mydriasis)
Common (1% to 10%): Visual impairment, eyelid irritation
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pupillary dilatation which may precipitate acute glaucoma (particularly narrow angle glaucoma)
Frequency not reported: Photophobia, increased ocular pressure
Postmarketing reports: Dry eyes, eye pruritic, angle closure glaucoma, amblyopia, eyelid irritation[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Urinary retention
Postmarketing reports: Dysuria[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Agitation, confusion, hallucinations
Rare (less than 0.1%): Disorientation, restlessness, visual hallucinations
Postmarketing reports: Acute psychosis[Ref]
Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity reactions, fatal anaphylactic shock[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Generalized rash
Frequency not reported: Dyshidrosis, skin dryness, rash
Postmarketing reports: Erythema[Ref]
Frequency not reported: Injection site pain
Postmarketing reports: Application site burning (patch)[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis[Ref]
Frequency not reported: Hyperthermia at high temperatures due to decreased sweating[Ref]
Frequency not reported: Thirst[Ref]
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
3. Therapeutic Goods Administration "Medicines Safety Update, Volume 8 Number 4, August-September 2017 Available from: URL: https://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medicines-safety-update-volume-8-number-4-august-september-2017" ([2017, Sep 13]):
4. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency "Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan) injection: risk of serious adverse effects in patients with underlying cardiac disease. Available from: URL: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/hyoscine-butylbromide-buscopan-injection-risk-of-serious-adverse-effects-in" ([2017, Apr 03]):
5. "Product Information. Transderm-Scop (scopolamine (hyoscine (scopolamine)))." Sandoz Inc, Broomfield, CO.
6. "Product Information. Scopolamine (scopolamine (hyoscine (scopolamine)))." Perrigo, L. Company, Allegan, MI.
Some side effects of scopolamine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.
Other brands:Transderm-Scop, Maldemar
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