Scop

A minstrel sings of famous deeds by J. R. Skelton c 1910

Scopolamine, also known as hyoscine, is a tropane alkaloid drug obtained from plants of the nightshade family, particularly from the genera Scopolia and Hyoscyamus, and also from Datura and Brugmansia. It is used primarily for its anticholinergic properties. Scopolamine has a variety of applications in medicine, including the prevention of motion sickness, the treatment of nausea and vomiting, and as an adjunct to anesthesia. Additionally, it has been used in the treatment of certain types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and to reduce saliva production in palliative care.

Medical Uses

Scopolamine is effective in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It is commonly administered via a transdermal patch placed behind the ear at least four hours before exposure to motion. The drug works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of messages in the brain that control vomiting and motion sensation.

In the field of anesthesia, scopolamine is used as a premedication due to its sedative and amnesic properties. It helps to reduce saliva and other secretions, making it useful in surgical procedures. Furthermore, scopolamine has been employed in the management of IBS, providing relief from the abdominal pain and discomfort associated with the condition.

Side Effects

The use of scopolamine can lead to various side effects, primarily due to its anticholinergic action. Common adverse effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, and urinary retention. More severe side effects may include confusion, hallucinations, and memory problems, particularly in the elderly.

Mechanism of Action

Scopolamine acts by competitively inhibiting the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system. This inhibition leads to decreased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in the therapeutic effects of the drug, such as reduced motion sickness and decreased gastrointestinal secretions.

History

The use of scopolamine dates back to ancient times, where it was used for its hallucinogenic and sedative properties. It was traditionally used in various cultures for religious and spiritual rituals. The isolation of scopolamine as a distinct chemical compound occurred in the early 19th century, and its medical applications have been expanded and refined since then.

Legal Status

The legal status of scopolamine varies by country, but it is generally available by prescription. Due to its potential for abuse and serious side effects, its distribution and use are regulated.

Conclusion

Scopolamine is a versatile drug with a range of medical applications, from the treatment of motion sickness to its use in anesthesia. Despite its beneficial effects, the potential for adverse reactions necessitates careful use under medical supervision.

‎

---

Translate: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian