Key takeaways:
Scopolamine patches (Transderm Scop) are a prescription medication for motion sickness. One patch can help prevent nausea and vomiting from motion sickness for up to 3 days.
Apply a scopolamine patch to a clean, hairless area behind your ear at least 4 hours before a triggering event. Never cut the patches or wear more than one patch at a time.
Scopolamine patches can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. See how the patches affect you before doing important or hazardous tasks, such as driving a car.
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ScopolamineTransderm Scop
Table of contents
When to apply
Where to apply
Washing hands
Cutting patches
How long it lasts
Side effects
How to dispose
Bottom line
References
Your inner ear sends messages to your brain to help you keep your balance. When your brain receives mixed signals, such as during a plane ride or while reading a book in the back of a moving car, motion sickness can happen. In this case, the inner ear senses movement, but your eyes are telling a different story.
When it happens, motion sickness can turn a cruise, car ride, or flight into a miserable situation. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent nausea and vomiting from motion sickness. Scopolamine patches (Transderm Scop) are one long-lasting option to consider. They’re easy to apply, and one patch lasts for up to 3 days.
If you’ve been prescribed scopolamine patches, you may have questions about when, how, and where to apply them. Below are seven pharmacist-backed tips for using scopolamine patches for optimal relief.
1. Apply a scopolamine patch at least 4 hours before the triggering event
Scopolamine patches work best to prevent motion sickness symptoms before they start. So you should apply a patch at least 4 hours before the event that can trigger motion sickness. That gives the medication time to get absorbed into your system and start working.
Applying your scopolamine patch ahead of time can make a big difference in your level of comfort and ability to enjoy the activity. If the patch is applied too late, it may not have enough time to fully take effect, leaving you more susceptible to motion sickness.
2. Apply the scopolamine patch to the hairless area behind your ear
Always apply the scopolamine patch to a clean, dry, hairless area behind your ear. Don’t apply the patch to any part of your skin with cuts or scrapes.
Before applying the patch, wipe the area behind your ear with a tissue or cloth to be sure it’s dry and free of any dirt or oils. To apply it, first tear along the dotted line on the envelope and remove the patch. Then, peel the clear plastic liner off the patch. Once the patch is in place behind the ear, avoid touching it or moving it around.
3. Wash your hands right after applying a scopolamine patch
Scopolamine can temporarily cause blurry vision if it gets into your eyes. Washing your hands with soap and water right after applying the patch can help prevent accidental exposure.
It’s also a good idea to wash the area behind your ear where the patch was after it has been removed. That will help prevent any residual medication from getting onto your hands and into your eyes or mouth.
4. Don’t cut scopolamine patches or apply more than 1 at a time
Never cut a scopolamine patch or apply more than one at a time. Each patch is carefully designed to give you the correct dosage of medication.
Cutting the patch or using multiple patches at once can lead to an overdose. Ingesting a patch can also cause serious side effects. Symptoms of scopolamine overdose include dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.
If you think you might be experiencing a scopolamine overdose, seek medical attention immediately or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
5. You can wear a scopolamine patch for up to 3 days
One scopolamine patch lasts up to 3 days, which makes the patches convenient for long trips. If you still need scopolamine for longer than 3 days, remove the old patch and apply a new one. Apply it to a different area of skin to prevent skin irritation.
If your patch falls off before the third day, throw away the old patch and apply a new one. You can wear the new patch for 3 days after applying it.
6. See how scopolamine patches affect you before performing hazardous tasks
Some people experience drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision when using scopolamine patches. So it’s a good idea to see how the patches affect you before performing any hazardous tasks, such as driving a car.
If you’re feeling dizzy, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. If the side effects become severe or don’t go away, remove the patch and seek medical attention immediately.
Good to know: If you’ve been using scopolamine patches for several days, you may experience some side effects after you stop applying them. This can include dizziness, nausea, and sweating that begins 24 hours or more after removing the patch. Contact your prescriber right away if any symptoms are severe.
7. Properly dispose of used scopolamine patches to avoid exposure to pets and other people
After you've worn a scopolamine patch for up to 3 days, it's time to remove and dispose of it. Remember, the patch still contains medication even after you've used it. So proper disposal is key.
First, gently peel the patch off your skin. Then, fold it in half so that the sticky sides are together. You can throw the used patch away in the trash. But make sure it’s out of reach to prevent children or pets from accidentally being exposed to the medication. Wash your hands with soap and water after removing the patch and throwing it away.
If you happen to have extra unused scopolamine patches at the end of your trip, you can dispose of them at a medication take-back location. Or, you may be able to keep them safely stored until you need them again, as long as they haven’t expired.
The bottom line
Scopolamine patches (Transderm Scop) are an effective and convenient way to get relief from motion sickness. Apply one patch to clean, dry skin behind your ear at least 4 hours before the event that triggers motion sickness symptoms. You can wear one patch for up to 3 days.
Don't cut or use multiple scopolamine patches at once. And even though the patch is applied to your skin, it can make you feel drowsy and dizzy. See how the patch affects you before performing hazardous tasks, such as driving a car.
Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist if you have other questions about how to use scopolamine patches.
References
Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). Scopolamine patch, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
MedlinePlus. (2019). Scopolamine Transdermal patch.
GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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