Influence of transdermal scopolamine on motion sickness during 7 days' exposure to heavy seas.
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of transdermal scopolamine in the prevention of motion sickness (MS) aboard a frigate during 7 days of continuously moderate or heavy seas. Forty-nine healthy sailors with a previous history of MS were randomly assigned to receive a transdermal therapeutic system of scopolamine (TTS-S) or transdermal placebo (TD-P). Patches were placed behind the ears at least 4 hours before departure and were removed 72 hours later. Subjects were observed on days 1 to 4 and 6. In the TTS-S group, both subjective feeling of MS and the incidence of nausea were reduced during the first 2 days. Because of adaptation, differences in signs and symptoms of MS between subjects receiving TTS-S and TD-P disappeared after the second day. During the first 3 days, vomiting occurred less often in the TTS-S group. On day 6, 3 days after removal of the patch, vomiting occurred in 23% of the TTS-S group, probably due to delay in adaptation, but none of the subjects in the TD-P group vomited. Concentration was not adversely influenced, since the ability to work increased in the TTS-S group. During prolonged continuous exposure to heavy and moderate seas, 2.5 cm2 TTS-S discs proved to be efficacious in preventing MS, with xerostomia as a tolerable side effect and no significant ocular side effects.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004244:Dizziness / Q000139:chemically induced; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009041:Motion Sickness / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011897:Random Allocation; D012601:Scopolamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012767:Ships; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014887:Weather; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced
D012601:Scopolamine