Transdermal Scopolamine Patch Research Articles

THE USE OF TRANSDERMAL SCOPOLAMINE TO CONTROL DROOLING

Drooling is a serious social handicap experienced by some neurologically impaired patients. No one method has been identified to control drooling for all patients, however, anticholinergic drugs recently have been utilized. In the case study described, transdermal scopolamine patches were found to be effective for controlling drooling in a traumatic brain-injured patient for whom more conservative methods failed. From a baseline saliva flow rate, saliva flow decreased an average of 30% with one-patch and 59% with two-patch dosing. No significant side effects were observed with treatment, and the decrease in drooling was maintained for a 4-month period. Although transdermal scopolamine may represent one acceptable facet of long-term treatment, it must be stressed that efficacy is variable across patient populations and that treatment approaches must be individualized.

Unilateral mydriasis as a consequence of unintentional ocular scopolamine contamination

Transdermal scopolamine patches are used by air medical personnel to prevent air and motion sickness. Inadvertent ocular contamination can present alarming symptoms and signs. This case report exemplifies scopolamine-induced anisocoria, discusses the differential diagnosis, and describes an approach to making its diagnosis.

Unilateral mydriasis caused by transdermal scopolamine

Contamination of the eye after handling of a transdermal scopolamine patch may cause accidental mydriasis. A simple office test is discussed to identify this pharmacologic blockade and thereby avoid an extensive neurologic workup.

A controlled clinical trial of the addition of transdermal scopolamine to a standard metoclopramide and dexamethasone antiemetic regimen.

A randomized prospective clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the potential utility of adding transdermal scopolamine to a standard regimen of metoclopramide and dexamethasone for the prevention of cisplatin-induced emesis. Thirty-one patients who were about to receive their first cycle of chemotherapy, using a combination regimen including cisplatin at a dose greater than or equal to 60 mg/m2 were randomized to receive an antiemetic regimen of either metoclopramide and dexamethasone alone, or these two drugs plus transdermal scopolamine patches. The mean number of episodes of emesis was .63 +/- 1.31 in the 16 scopolamine-treated patients, and 2.27 +/- 2.66 in the 15 patients who did not receive scopolamine (P less than .01). The scopolamine appeared to inhibit extrapyramidal reactions to the metoclopramide, but the number of cases was too small for statistical significance. We conclude that the addition of transdermal scopolamine to a standard metoclopramide and dexamethasone antiemetic regimen provides additive benefit in the control of cisplatin-induced emesis.