Background

• Scopolamine (also called hyoscine) occurs naturally in belladonna plants, such as henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) and deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna). Scopolamine is available as a prescription drug and has many effects in the body, including decreasing the secretion of stomach fluids, preventing nausea, slowing digestive action of the stomach and intestines, and dilating the pupils. Traditionally, belladonna preparations have been used as both poisons and remedies.
• Scopolamine patches placed behind the ear, which deliver a relatively low dose at a constant rate over three days, provide a convenient delivery system with fewer side effects than scopolamine taken by mouth or injected. The most common adverse effects associated with scopolamine are dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. A nasal spray has been tested, and eyedrops are in use.
• Due to its effectiveness against seasickness, scopolamine is commonly used by sailors and scuba divers. The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Reduced Gravity Office (RGO) uses scopolamine alone and in combination with dextroamphetamine to treat motion sickness symptoms during test flights.

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