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Scopolamine patch

Brand names: Transderm Scop

The scopolamine patch prevents motion sickness and nausea for up to 3 days. It goes behind the ear.

Brand namesTransderm Scop
Type of medicineMotion sickness patch (anticholinergic)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's often used for cruises and after surgery.

What it's used for

  • Preventing motion sickness
  • Preventing nausea after surgery

How to take it

  • Apply to clean, hairless skin behind one ear at least 4 hours before travel.
  • Wash your hands well after touching it; it can enlarge the pupil if it gets in your eye.
  • Remove it after 3 days; use a new one behind the other ear if needed.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Blurry vision
  • Dilated pupil
Call your provider todayConfusion, seeing things, or agitation
Call your provider todayEye pain or seeing halos
Call your provider todayCan't pee
Call your provider todayDizziness, nausea, or headache after removing it (withdrawal)

Warnings

  • Remove it before an MRI.
  • Not for people with narrow-angle glaucoma.
  • Older adults are more likely to get confused.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.
  • Other anticholinergic medicines add to side effects.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Not applicable: wear one patch for up to 3 days as needed.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.