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Scopolamine transdermal patch dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it’s usedCouponOverdoseAsk your doctor
Doctors prescribe scopolamine transdermal patch for nausea and vomiting related to motion sickness or certain medications used during surgery. You apply it behind your ear for up to 3 days, depending on what it’s prescribed for.
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on

This article describes scopolamine transdermal patch’s dosage and strength and gives details on how it’s used. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for scopolamine.

Scopolamine transdermal patch is a generic version of the brand-name drug Transderm Scop. But the brand-name version isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

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Form and strengths of scopolamine

Scopolamine transdermal patch comes as follows:

  • Form: a transdermal patch, which you’ll apply by sticking it to the skin behind your ear
  • Strength: 1 mg/3 days. This means 1 milligram (mg) of scopolamine is delivered through your skin over 3 days.

Dosage of scopolamine

This article describes the recommended dosage for scopolamine transdermal patch. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of scopolamine transdermal patch without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of scopolamine in adults

Scopolamine transdermal patch is prescribed to help prevent nausea and vomiting related to motion sickness. It’s also used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery that’s caused by anesthesia or certain medications used during the procedure.

  • Dose: 1 patch (One patch will deliver 1 mg over 3 days.)
  • Frequency: for up to 3 days

Missed dose of scopolamine

If your doctor recommends that you use more than one scopolamine transdermal patch, talk with them or a pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to apply another scopolamine transdermal patch. They may advise you to apply another patch, or they may advise you to skip it, depending on the use or its indication.

For tips on how to plan your doses of scopolamine transdermal patch and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about scopolamine transdermal patch and its dosage.

Can scopolamine be used for drooling? If so, what’s the dosage?

Scopolamine isn’t approved to treat drooling. For this reason, there isn’t a recommended dosage.

However, in some cases, it may be used off label for this purpose. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a use other than what it’s approved for. Talk with your doctor to learn more about using scopolamine transdermal patch to treat drooling.

Is scopolamine used long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe scopolamine transdermal patch as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.

If you have questions about how long you should use scopolamine transdermal patch, talk with your doctor.

How scopolamine is used

To prevent nausea and vomiting related to motion sickness, you’ll apply scopolamine transdermal patch one time onto the hairless skin behind your ear. It should be applied at least 4 hours before the anti-nausea effect is needed. Wear only one patch at a time.

The patch will deliver approximately 1 mg of scopolamine over 3 days. If your doctor prescribes a second dose, remove the used patch and apply a new patch behind your other ear.

When scopolamine transdermal patch is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by anesthesia or certain medications used during surgery, apply one patch to the skinless area behind your ear the evening before your surgery. Remove the patch 24 hours after your surgery.

To apply a scopolamine patch:

  • Carefully wash and dry the area behind your ear.
  • The area where the patch is applied should be hairless and have no cuts, bumps, irritation, or tenderness.
  • Remove the patch from the package, avoiding touching the adhesive.
  • Do not cut or trim the patch. It should be applied whole and intact.
  • Place the adhesive side of the patch on your skin and press down gently to secure it in place.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.

Scopolamine transdermal patch should not be cut. If the patch comes off, discard it and apply a new transdermal patch. To discard, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together and discard it in the trash away from possible ingestion or accidental contact with pets or children.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about applying your scopolamine transdermal patch. They can offer recommendations about using it.

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Overdose of scopolamine

It’s important that you do not use more scopolamine transdermal patch than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of scopolamine overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you use too much scopolamine

If you think you’ve used too much scopolamine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for scopolamine transdermal patch. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of scopolamine transdermal patch without your doctor’s recommendation. You should use scopolamine transdermal patch exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Can children who have motion sickness use scopolamine transdermal patch? If so, what’s the dosage?
  • How do the dosages of scopolamine transdermal patch and Transderm Scop compare?
  • If I still experience symptoms of motion sickness while using scopolamine transdermal patch, will my doctor adjust my dosage?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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