scopolamine /skōpol″əmēn/ [Giovanni A. Scopoli, Italian naturalist, 1723–1788] , an anticholinergic alkaloid obtained from the leaves and seeds of several solanaceous plants. It is a central nervous system depressant. Also called hyoscine. See also transdermal scopolamine. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for prevention of motion sickness and as an antiemetic, a sedative in obstetrics, and a cycloplegic and mydriatic. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Narrow-angle glaucoma, asthma, myasthenia gravis, obstruction of the genitourinary or GI tract, severe ulcerative colitis, and known hypersensitivity prohibit its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are blurred vision, central nervous system effects, tachycardia, dry mouth, decreased sweating, and hypersensitivity reaction.
