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Drug Details

SCOPODERM TTS

• Drug Class Description
  Anticholinergics (anti-emetics).
• Generic Name
  Hyoscine
• Presentation
  Scopoderm TTS is a transdermal therapeutic system. Each patch is a flat system of laminates, sealed around the edge, containing a clear oily filling. The system is a thin circular disc, tan coloured and fitted with a transparent, hexagonal protective liner which projects over the edge of the disc. Viewed through the liner, the system appears silver in colour. Each system has a contact surface area measuring 2.5cm2 and hyoscine content of 1.5mg. The average amount of hyoscine absorbed from each system in 72 hours is 1mg.
• Description
  Each patch contains 1.5mg hyoscine U.S.P.
• Indications
  For the prevention of symptoms of motion sickness such as nausea, vomiting and vertigo.
• Adult Dosage
  

  Route of Administration

  Transdermal

  Dosage and Administration

  Adults

  To achieve the optimum protective effect, one system should be applied about 5-6 hours before embarking on a journey (or on the evening before). The system should be placed onto a clean, dry, hairless area of skin behind the ear, taking care to avoid any cuts or irritation. One system can provide protection for up to 72 hours. Should protection be required for longer periods of time, a fresh system should be placed behind the other ear after 72 hours. (No more than one system should be used at a time). Conversely, if protection is only required for shorter periods of time, the system should be removed at the end of the journey.

  Patients should wash their hands thoroughly after handling the system. In addition, after removal of the system, the site of application should also be washed. These precautions are necessary to minimise any chance of hyoscine accidentally being transferred to the eyes (see side-effects).

  Limited contact with water (i.e. during bathing or swimming), should not affect the system, although it should be kept as dry as possible.

  If the Scopoderm TTS becomes accidentally detached, it should be replaced by a fresh system.

• Child Dosage
  

  Scopoderm TTS can be used in children age 10 years or over (see dosage recommendations for adults). Insufficient data are available to recommend the use of Scopoderm TTS for younger children

• Elderly Dosage
  

  Scopoderm TTS may be used in the elderly (see dosage recommendations for adults) although the elderly may be more prone to suffer from the side-effects of hyoscine (see precautions).

• Contra Indications
  

  Scopoderm TTS is contra-indicated in patients with glaucoma or with a history of the condition, and in patients with known hypersensitivity to hyoscine.

• Special Precautions
  

  Scopoderm TTS should be used with caution in patients with pyloric stenosis, those who have bladder outflow obstruction, or in patients with intestinal obstruction.

  Patients should not consume alcohol whilst using Scopoderm TTS.

  Scopoderm TTS should also be used with caution in elderly patients, and in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function.

  In rare cases, confusional states and visual hallucinations may occur. In such cases, Scopoderm TTS should be removed immediately. If severe symptoms persist, appropriate therapeutic measures should be taken (see overdosage section).

  Idiosyncratic reactions may occur with ordinary therapeutic doses of hyoscine.

  In isolated cases an increase in seizure frequency in epileptic patients has been reported.

  Care should be taken after removal of the system as side-effects may persist for up to 24 hours or longer.

• Interactions
  

  Scopoderm TTS should be used with caution in patients being treated with drugs that act on the central nervous system (including alcohol) or drugs with anticholinergic properties.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  The following side-effects may occur:

  Eyes

  In isolated cases pupillary dilatation may precipitate acute glaucoma, particularly narrow angle glaucoma

  (see Contra-Indications).

  Occasional: Irritation of the eyelids

  If traces of hyoscine on the hands enter the eyes, transient cycloplegia and pupillary dilatation (occasionally unilateral) frequently occur.

  Mouth

  Frequent: Transient dryness of the mouth.

  Central Nervous System

  Occasional: Drowsiness.

  Rare: Impairment of memory and concentration, restlessness, dizziness, disorientation, confusion and visual hallucinations. (see precautions).

  Skin

  Occasional: Local irritation

  In isolated cases: A generalised skin rash

  Urogenital system

  Rare: Disturbances of micturition (i.e. urine retention)

  Side-effects after removal of Scopoderm TTS

  Rare: Unwanted effects, including headache, nausea, vomiting and disturbance of balance, occurring after removal of the system. These symptoms have occurred most often in patients who have used the system for several days. In such cases, patients should not drive or engage in other activities requiring concentration.