From the Guidelines
Scopolamine is associated with several side effects, including blurring of vision, dry mouth, dilated pupils, urinary retention, and sedation.
Common Side Effects
- Blurring of vision
- Dry mouth
- Dilated pupils
- Urinary retention
- Sedation These side effects are due to its anticholinergic properties, which block muscarinic receptors 1.
Clinical Context
In clinical practice, scopolamine is used off-label for various conditions, including gastroparesis, despite the lack of supporting clinical studies 1. It is also used as an antiemetic, particularly in patients undergoing surgery, although its use may be limited by common side effects such as sedation, dry mouth, and blurred vision 1.
Special Considerations
In palliative care, scopolamine is used to reduce excessive secretions associated with dyspnea, but its use requires careful consideration of the potential for anticholinergic side effects, particularly delirium 1. The transdermal formulation of scopolamine has a delayed onset of action, making it less suitable for imminently dying patients 1.
From the Research
Side Effects of Scopolamine (Hyoscine)
- Dry mouth: Scopolamine was more likely to induce dry mouth compared to methscopolamine or cinnarizine 2
- Drowsiness: Although sample sizes were small, scopolamine was no more likely to induce drowsiness compared to other agents 2
- Blurring of vision: Scopolamine was no more likely to induce blurring of vision compared to other agents 2
- Dizziness: Scopolamine was no more likely to induce dizziness compared to other agents 2
- Hallucinations: Scopolamine has dose-dependent adverse effects, including hallucinations 3
- Vertigo: Scopolamine has dose-dependent adverse effects, including vertigo 3
- Tachycardia: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with tachycardia as a common side effect 4
- Decreased sweating: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with decreased sweating as a common side effect 4
- Salivation: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with decreased salivation as a common side effect 4
- Abdominal fullness: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with abdominal fullness as a common side effect 4
- Constipation: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with constipation as a common side effect 4
- Urinary retention: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with urinary retention as a common side effect 4
- Blurred vision: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with blurred vision as a common side effect 4
- Skin flushing: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with skin flushing as a common side effect 4
- Hypotension: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with hypotension as an unfavorable side effect 4
- Myocardial ischemia: Hyoscine N-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is associated with myocardial ischemia as an unfavorable side effect 4