Uses

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.

How To Use

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.

Side Effects

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.

Precautions

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 breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

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 a certain laboratory test (gastric secretion test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: extreme drowsiness, trouble breathing, hot/dry skin, fever, mental/mood changes, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

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.

Storage

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.