What are the instructions for using scopolamine (antiemetic medication) patches?

Instructions for Using Scopolamine Patches

Scopolamine patches should be applied to the hairless area behind one ear at least 4-8 hours before the antiemetic effect is required, with a maximum duration of 3 days per patch. 1

Application Instructions

• Each scopolamine transdermal system delivers 1 mg of scopolamine over 3 days
• Apply the patch to the dry, hairless area behind one ear (postauricular area)
• Only wear one patch at a time
• Do not cut the patch
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after application
• Avoid touching or applying pressure to the patch once applied
• The patch begins working within 4-8 hours, with optimal effectiveness at 8-12 hours after application 2

Dosing Schedule

For Motion Sickness:

• Apply one patch at least 4 hours (preferably 6-8 hours) before the antiemetic effect is required
• For faster protection, the patch may be applied 1 hour before travel in combination with oral scopolamine (though this combined approach is less common) 2
• Maximum duration of use is 3 days per patch
• If therapy is required for longer than 3 days, remove the first patch and apply a new one behind the opposite ear 1

For Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting:

• Apply one patch the evening before scheduled surgery
• Remove the patch 24 hours following surgery
• Not recommended for cesarean section 1

Removal Instructions

• Upon removal, fold the used patch in half with the sticky side together
• Discard in household trash in a manner that prevents accidental contact or ingestion by children, pets, or others
• Wash hands and application site thoroughly with soap and water after removal 1

Potential Side Effects to Monitor

• Dry mouth (occurs in about 50-60% of users)
• Drowsiness (up to 20% of users)
• Blurred vision and pupil dilation
• Allergic contact dermatitis (approximately 10% of users)
• Less common: difficulty urinating, headache, confusion 2

Important Precautions

• Avoid touching your eyes after handling the patch to prevent temporary blurring of vision 1
• If the patch becomes displaced, discard it and apply a new one behind the other ear
• Monitor for signs of acute angle closure glaucoma (eye pain, redness, blurred vision)
• The patch is contraindicated in patients with angle closure glaucoma or hypersensitivity to scopolamine 1
• Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects and should be monitored closely 3

Effectiveness

Scopolamine patches have been shown to be significantly superior to placebo in reducing the incidence and severity of motion sickness by 60-80% 2. They are considered the most effective single agent for preventing motion sickness 4 and are particularly useful for long journeys (6-12 hours or longer) to avoid repeated oral doses 2.