How dangerous is scopolamine?

The State Department notes on their website that scopolamine can render a victim unconscious for 24 hours or more. In Colombia, where its use seems to be most widespread, “unofficial estimates” of scopolamine events are at roughly 50,000 per year. In large doses it can cause “respiratory failure and death”.

How long can you use scopolamine?

You may wear the skin patch for up to 3 days. If you need to use this medicine for longer than 3 days, remove the patch and place a new one behind your other ear. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling a scopolamine transdermal skin patch, whether you are applying it or removing it.

Why does scopolamine go behind the ear?

The patch goes behind the ear because that area is highly permeable — it’s the place on your skin where the medication can get through the easiest. That’s also why scopolamine needs to be dosed at a lower quantity to be effective.

How long do the effects of scopolamine last?

The pharmacological half-life of scopolamine in the body is about 9 hours, but the sensitized effects in the vestibular nuclei center can last for days to weeks.

Does meclizine have withdrawal symptoms?

To our knowledge, this is the first report of treating scopolamine withdrawal symptoms with meclizine. Withdrawal and postremoval symptoms associated with antimuscarinics, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache, are listed in the prescribing information of the transdermal scopolamine patch.

Can Scopoderm patches be cut in half?

Sometimes the patches can be cut in half to give a smaller dose. After 72 hours, the patch(es) should be removed and replaced. The leaflet supplied with the patches contains instructions and pictures to help you.

What is a hyoscine patch?

Hyoscine hydrobromide is taken to prevent travel sickness (motion sickness). It can also be used to reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth. This can help with symptoms if you’re having palliative care or end of life care. Hyoscine hydrobromide comes as patches and tablets that you suck, chew or swallow.

Why is hyoscine used in end of life care?

Hyoscine BUTYLbromide is an anti-cholinergic and is primarily used in the palliative setting to manage noisy breathing at the end of life.

Which patches can be cut?

The only patch that you may be able to cut safely is lidoderm. Used to control pain, Lidoderm patches can be cut into smaller pieces. Additionally, your doctor may recommend that you use multiple patches on a specific area at one time.