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Compare Scopolamine vs. Aloxi

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) and Palonosetron (Aloxi) are both used to prevent nausea and vomiting, but they work in different ways and are used for different situations. Scopolamine is an anticholinergic that comes as a patch you place behind your ear, and it's mainly used to prevent motion sickness and nausea from surgery. You need to apply it at least 4 hours before you need it, and it can last up to 3 days. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and sleepiness. On the other hand, Palonosetron is a serotonin antagonist given as an IV injection by a healthcare provider, and it's used to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and surgery. It works quickly and can last up to 5 days. Common side effects are headache and constipation. Scopolamine is available as a generic. Palonosetron's brand name Aloxi is discontinued, but the generic form is still available.

  • Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
    Palonosetron
  • Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
    Palonosetron

  • Summary of Scopolamine vs. Aloxi

    Summary for Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) is a prescription anticholinergic medication. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, as well as from anesthesia or pain medications used in surgery. Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) comes as a patch that you place behind your ear. You need to apply it at least 4 hours before any activities that might cause motion sickness, or the night before your surgery. Common side effects scopolamine (Transderm Scop) include dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness.

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Palonosetron is a medication that's used to prevent nausea and vomiting from cancer medications (chemotherapy) and surgery. The dose is usually a one-time injection through the veins that's given by a healthcare provider in a clinic or hospital. The most common side effects are headache and constipation. Palonosetron is still available as a generic medication, but its brand name Aloxi is now discontinued.

  • Indications of Scopolamine vs. Aloxi

    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to:
    •Motion sickness
    •Anesthesia or pain medications used in surgery
    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy in adults and children 1 month of age and older
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting (for up to 24 hours) after surgery in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Scopolamine vs. Aloxi

    Pros and Const for Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Works well for preventing nausea and vomiting
    •Effects lasts for up to 3 days
    •Applied to skin, so a good choice for people who've trouble taking pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not for use in children younger than 18 years old
    •Takes about 4 hours to start working, so need to remember to take it ahead of time
    •Doesn't treat nausea and vomiting that's already happening
    •Can cause drowsiness, blurry vision, and confusion
    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Might work better and have less side effects than other antiemetics in the same drug class
    •Long-lasting medication that's given as a single dose before chemotherapy or surgery
    •Can use for young children age 1 month and older who are receiving chemotherapy
    Cons
    •Can only be given by IV injection (into the vein)
    •Must be given by a healthcare professional
    •Side effects might last a long time

  • Common Side Effects of Scopolamine vs. Aloxi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (29%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Agitation (6%)
    •Changes in vision (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (9%)
    •Constipation (5%)

  • Warnings of Scopolamine vs. Aloxi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Angle-closure glaucoma
    •Brain and mental health problems
    •Risk of seizures in pregnant people with preeclampsia
    •Blockage in the stomach, intestines, or bladder
    •Withdrawal
    •Blurry vision
    •Skin burn from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Serotonin syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Scopolamine vs. Aloxi

    Learn more about Scopolamine
    Learn more about Palonosetron

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