Scopolamine patch (1190)

Key points below

Alert: Call 911 if your child has a seizure, has trouble breathing or has swelling of the face or lips.

What is Scopolamine?

It is a medicine patch put on the skin to treat nausea and vomiting. It is often used after surgery, too. The medicine moves from the patch through the skin and into the body.

What are the side effects?

Dry mouth or sore throat.
Sleepiness or problems sleeping.
Dizziness.
Confusion or distress.
Decreased sweating.
Itching, rash or swelling near the patch.
Problems urinating.
Fast heartbeat.
Blurred vision.
Sensitivity to light.

When it is used

Before surgery, a patch is put behind the ear. It will be an area that does not have hair. Take the patch off after 3 days unless your doctor told you take it off sooner.

Important information

Do not let your child get overheated or use heat sources (electric blanket, heating pad, hot tub) while using the patch. These may cause body’s temperature to go up. This can cause more medicine to be absorbed, which leads to overdose

How to safely get rid of this medicine

When taking the patch off of the skin, do not touch the silver, metallic part. This is where the medicine is. Fold the patch in half so metallic sides are together. Throw it out in a place where children and pets cannot get to it.
After removing the patch, do touch your eyes and wash hands well.

ALERT

Call your child’s Doctor if you or your child have any concerns related to using this teaching sheet or if your child has special health care needs not covered by this information.