SCOPOLAMINE: Pharmacological and Therapeutic Uses
Scopolamine (or hyoscine) is a tropane alkaloid derived from plants of the Solanaceae family, such as the henbane plant (Hyoscyamus niger). It is a cholinergic antagonist, and has long been used as an antispasmodic for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. Scopolamine has also been used therapeutically as an anticholinergic agent in the treatment of motion sickness, respiratory disorders, and vertigo. In addition, it has been used as a sedative and to reduce side effects of certain psychiatric medications.
Pharmacology
Scopolamine has a direct effect on the autonomic nervous system, affecting both the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions. It is an antimuscarinic agent, meaning it blocks the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the control of the autonomic nervous system. The antimuscarinic effects of scopolamine cause a decrease in the parasympathetic tone, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and a relaxation of smooth muscle in the bronchial and gastrointestinal tracts.
Therapeutic Uses
Scopolamine is most commonly used in the treatment of motion sickness and vertigo. It is available in both oral and transdermal formulations. The oral form is typically taken one hour before travel, and the transdermal patch is generally applied eight to ten hours prior to travel. Scopolamine is also used to treat gastrointestinal spasms, such as those caused by irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used off-label as an adjunct to anaesthesia in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Scopolamine is also used as an adjunct to antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol, to reduce the side effects of sedation and akathisia. In addition, it has been used to reduce the side effects of certain antidepressant medications.
Conclusion
Scopolamine is a tropane alkaloid derived from plants of the Solanaceae family. It is a cholinergic antagonist, and has long been used as an antispasmodic for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. Scopolamine is most commonly used in the treatment of motion sickness and vertigo, and is available in both oral and transdermal formulations. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal spasms, and off-label as an adjunct to anaesthesia and to reduce the side effects of certain psychiatric medications.
References
Araujo, F. V., & de Carvalho, P. L. (2012). Scopolamine: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. CNS & Neurological Disorders-Drug Targets, 11(4), 452-461.
Cheruvu, C. K., & Nasseri, N. (2015). Scopolamine: A review of its pharmacology, therapeutic uses, and toxicology. Clinical Therapeutics, 37(11), 2448-2463.
Gül, A., & Özkök, İ. (2013). Scopolamine use for motion sickness. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 14(18), 2483-2491.
Kumar, P. V., & Sobti, P. (2013). Scopolamine: a review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 21(1), 104-109.