Scopolamine

Scopolamine or Hyoscine is a alcaloid which is naturally found in several plants among Solanacea family.

With a similar chemical structure of Atropine, it shows anti-muscarinic and anti-cholinergic effects (decrease in saliva, bronchial, sweat and gastric secretion, tachycardia, pupil dilation, anti-spasmodic effect on the intestine and urinary tract)

Most frequently used formulations contain buthylbromurate, methybromurate and hydrobromurate. Skin patches contain purified Scopolamine.

Used for prevention of motion-sickness of the traveler and treatment of nausea, post-anesthesia vomiting. Also, as anti-spasmodict and treatment of ophthalmologic disorders.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.

Due to a low oral bioavailability that minimizes the presence into the infant's plasma from mother's milk ingested, thus, the expert consensus is that the risk of use while breastfeeding is minimal. (American Academy of Pediatrics - 2013 says that is usually compatible with breastfeeding)

Since at small dosage Scopolamine poisoning with alarming symptoms may occur (irritability, delirium, redness of skin, mouth dryness, constipation, urine retention), we would recommend a cautious and moderate use with a dose as low as possible with a delay of at least 3 hours for breastfeeding after medication. Avoid use if the infant is younger than 2 months or premature.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Scopolamine.