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Compare Scopolamine vs. Anzemet

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

Key takeaways

Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) and Anzemet (dolasetron) are both used to prevent nausea and vomiting, but they work in different ways and are used for different causes. Scopolamine is an anticholinergic that comes as a patch you place behind your ear, and it’s used to prevent nausea from motion sickness and surgery. Anzemet is an antiemetic taken by mouth, and it’s used to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Scopolamine is available as a lower-cost generic, while Anzemet is only available as a brand-name medication, which can be expensive. Scopolamine can cause side effects like dry mouth and dizziness, while Anzemet can cause headaches and fatigue in addition to dizziness. Anzemet also has a risk of causing serious heart rhythm problems, which is not a concern with scopolamine.

  • Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
    Anzemet (dolasetron)
  • Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
    Anzemet (dolasetron)

  • Summary of Scopolamine vs. Anzemet

    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

    Anzemet (dolasetron) is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy). It's used for adults and children 2 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth within 1 hour before chemotherapy.

  • Indications of Scopolamine vs. Anzemet

    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 due to cancer medications (chemotherapy)

  • Pros and Cons of Scopolamine vs. Anzemet

    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
    •Works well to prevent nausea and vomiting
    •Can use in children as young as 2 years old
    •Can use safely in people with liver or kidney problems
    Cons
    •Available as a brand name only, which can be expensive
    •Not the best choice for people with heart rhythm problems
    •Can interact with certain medications, like antidepressants and migraine medications
    •No longer available as an injection for people who might have trouble swallowing or keeping things down

  • Common Side Effects of Scopolamine vs. Anzemet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (29%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Agitation (6%)
    •Changes in vision (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (18-23%)
    •Fatigue (3-6%)

  • Warnings of Scopolamine vs. Anzemet

    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
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Scopolamine vs. Anzemet

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    Learn more about Anzemet

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