No-Spasm

Quick links to important sections

No-Spasm

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of No-Spasm

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Scopolamine (Hyoscine)
Forms Oral tablet, Transdermal patch, Injection
Pharmacological class Anticholinergic, Antimuscarinic, Antispasmodic
General purpose Relief of spasm, Prevention of nausea and vomiting
Origin Naturally derived from Tropane alkaloids

What Type of Medicine is Scopolamine (No-Spasm)?

Scopolamine, also known by its International Nonproprietary Name Hyoscine, is a powerful pharmaceutical agent primarily classified as an anticholinergic or antimuscarinic drug. This classification means it belongs to the broader group of antispasmodic medicines that act on the involuntary nervous system. Its fundamental role is to temporarily block the action of acetylcholine, a critical chemical messenger responsible for transmitting nerve signals in the body. Scopolamine is specifically identified as a Tropane alkaloid, an organic compound that sets it apart within the field of pharmacology due to its targeted action.

As a competitive antagonist, Scopolamine acts by reducing the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby dampening signals that can lead to acute muscle contraction or severe sensory disruption. This defining mechanism is clinically recognized for its high efficacy in blocking muscarinic receptors throughout the body, including the central nervous system.


Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The active substance in this medication is Scopolamine (often as hydrobromide salt), and it is typically formulated as a single active ingredient product. Scopolamine is a compound naturally derived from Belladonna alkaloids, found in plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, although it is manufactured in purified, pharmaceutical-grade form.

Scopolamine is available in several high-level dosage forms, allowing for distinct routes of administration. These forms include the classic oral tablet and the unique transdermal patch (known as a Transdermal Therapeutic System or TTS-patch), in addition to solutions prepared for parenteral (injection) use. The development of the transdermal patch form represents a key differentiation, as it facilitates sustained, steady drug absorption, which is particularly useful for prolonged use scenarios like extended travel.


General Purpose: A Core Function of Spasm and Nausea Relief

The general purpose of Scopolamine is to leverage its parasympatholytic action to relieve involuntary physiological disruptions. This action is beneficial for relaxing smooth muscle spasm in internal organs like the gut or urinary tract, defining its long-standing role as an antispasmodic. Critically, the drug is also a potent antiemetic, serving the general benefit of preventing or relieving nausea and vomiting. By acting on the central nervous system, Scopolamine interrupts the signaling pathway between the inner ear's balance mechanisms and the brain's vomiting center, which is particularly useful in controlling symptoms associated with conditions like motion sickness.

Regulatory References

  1. Scopoderm 1.5mg Patch - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)

What side effects are possible with No-Spasm?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of No-Spasm is primarily defined by central nervous system (CNS) depression and the risk of hypersensitivity reactions.

Adverse Reactions

Category Documented Reactions
Most Common Drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, headache, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, and extreme tiredness. These are linked to the drug's effect on the CNS.
Serious/Significant Clinically significant adverse effects include severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, angioedema, wheezing, anaphylactic shock) which require immediate medical attention. Cardiovascular events such as irregular or fast heart rate and chest pain have also been reported. Rarely, seizures and signs of Serotonin Syndrome (when co-administered with other serotonergic agents) may occur.
Rare/Idiosyncratic Mental status changes, temporary loss of vision, and transient quadriplegia have been reported idiosyncratically, typically after the initial dose.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

No-Spasm carries specific warnings for certain patient groups. It should generally be avoided in older adults (65 years and over) due to increased risk of side effects, including sedation and unsteadiness. Caution is necessary for patients with hepatic impairment, and discontinuation is advised if liver function tests become elevated. The safety and efficacy in patients under 16 years of age have not been established. The drug is classified as Pregnancy Category C, and its use during breastfeeding carries a potential risk of sedation for the newborn.

Restrictions and Limitations

Due to CNS depressant properties, No-Spasm may impair the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Concomitant use with alcohol or other CNS depressants (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines) is highly restricted as it significantly increases the risk of respiratory depression and overdose. The drug is associated with a risk of physical and psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms following abrupt discontinuation. Use is contraindicated in patients with acute intermittent porphyria or recent myocardial infarction, heart block, or heart failure.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The regulatory documentation for Scopolamine (No-Spasm) overdose outlines specific manifestations associated with excessive exposure, primarily impacting the Central Nervous System (CNS) and cardiovascular function. Documented manifestations of overdosage include CNS effects such as confusion, delirium, agitation, visual hallucinations, and somnolence. Peripheral signs encompass mydriasis, dry flushed skin, urinary retention, and an accelerated tachycardia.

Overdose is classified by the potential for severe, life-threatening outcomes, including the escalation of CNS toxicity to coma and convulsions. Other severe risks cited in official labels are respiratory paralysis, circulatory collapse, and dangerous hyperthermia.

The official regulatory guidance mandates that individuals seek immediate medical attention for symptomatic cases or if severe symptoms persist. Initial emergency actions require the immediate removal of the transdermal system or ingested product and the maintenance of an adequate airway and circulation. The specific antidote described in prescribing information is Physostigmine, which is used to counteract the central anticholinergic effects. Close observation is necessary, as regulatory documents indicate that patients may relapse into coma within a few hours following initial treatment. Furthermore, official labeling notes an increased likelihood of severe CNS effects in elderly patients and those with impaired renal or hepatic function.

Therapeutic Uses of No-Spasm

The medication is commonly used to help with symptoms that interfere with daily functioning across conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, providing support that helps ease the overall symptom burden in acute settings.

The primary therapeutic role of this medicine is to address symptoms related to two key areas: motion-induced nausea and vomiting and the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The medication is also relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, such as those seen in conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations like colic and other internal cramping. Additionally, it assists with assisting with functional stability in clinical settings by managing unwanted increases in glandular secretions.

“This supportive action helps ease the burden of symptoms that become difficult to tolerate or interfere with a patient's stability.”

The medication supports patients with these distressing manifestations during phases of increased discomfort, contributing to a sense of comfort and supporting general well-being during symptomatic periods.

Quick Fact Relief for
Primary Focus Nausea and acute internal cramping
Clinical Contexts Travel, surgical recovery, spasmodic episodes

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use No-Spasm — Official Regulatory Information

The eligibility profile for No-Spasm (Scopolamine) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities, outlining populations who may use the medicine and those who are formally prohibited.

Category Official Regulatory Rule
Populations for whom use is allowed Adult Patients are the approved population for established indications.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Angle-Closure Glaucoma and Hypersensitivity to scopolamine or belladonna alkaloids are absolute contraindications.
Age-related eligibility rules Pediatric Patients (17 and younger) are a Use-Not-Established group, and the transdermal system is not approved for this age. Geriatric Patients require caution due to increased susceptibility to Central Nervous System (CNS) effects.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Use is contraindicated in Obstructive Uropathy and Obstructive Gastrointestinal Disease. Caution is required for those with Impaired Renal or Hepatic Function.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Pregnancy is classified as Category C. Use must be avoided in patients with severe preeclampsia. Lactation requires caution, as the medicine is distributed into human milk.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Regulatory documents define who can and cannot use the medicine by listing absolute contraindications that prohibit use, alongside conditional restrictions requiring caution for specific age groups and those with organ or disease impairment. This structure formally separates the eligible adult population from restricted groups.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Scopolamine (Hyoscine) is defined by both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interaction patterns, as documented by governmental authorities.


Interactions Affecting Pharmacological Effect

Co-administration with other anticholinergic agents, which include certain tricyclic antidepressants and antihistamines, may result in an intensification of the anticholinergic effect. The combination with Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants, including alcohol and opioid pain relievers, carries an increased risk of additive CNS effects, specifically heightened drowsiness and disorientation. Conversely, co-administration with Dopamine Antagonists such as metoclopramide may lead to the diminution of the gastrointestinal effects of both medicines.


Interactions Affecting Drug Exposure and Timing

Certain substances modify the body’s systemic exposure to Scopolamine. Grapefruit juice has been documented to increase the medicine’s bioavailability through inhibition of the CYP3A4 enzyme. Separately, adsorbent-type agents, such as specific antacids and anti-diarrhea drugs, may reduce absorption. To prevent this reduced exposure, oral administration must be separated by at least 1 hour from these agents. The medicine must also be discontinued at least 10 days before a gastric secretion test. For populations with impaired renal or hepatic function, regulatory information advises caution due to a higher likelihood of interaction-related CNS effects.

Mechanism of Action

How No-Spasm Works

No-Spasm exerts its physiological effects through a dual mechanism targeting both nerve signaling and muscle cell activity. The primary action involves acting as an antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors on smooth muscle tissue. By blocking the binding of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the drug interrupts the parasympathetic nerve signal responsible for inducing contraction, resulting in reduced excitability of the muscle cells.

The secondary action is myotropic, meaning it directly influences the muscle cell’s internal machinery. This often involves modulating the cellular flux of calcium ions ( Ca^2+) and/or inhibiting enzymes like phosphodiesterase (PDE). This interference with the contraction process is essential for achieving a sustained, lower smooth muscle tone. The resulting physiological consequence is the overall modulation of visceral motility, characterized by a shift in the involuntary contractile pattern toward lower frequency and amplitude across affected organ systems.

Dosage and Administration Information

No-Spasm (Scopolamine) is administered via several routes, primarily as a transdermal system (patch) for topical application or as a parenteral solution for intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection.

Administration Routes and Dosage Principles

The transdermal system is designed to deliver approximately 1 mg of the medicine over a period of up to 72 hours. To prepare for expected motion sickness, one system is applied to the hairless area behind one ear at least four hours before the desired effect. For surgical contexts, application timing varies: it is applied the evening before non-Cesarean surgery, or one hour prior to Cesarean section. During use, only one system should be worn at a time, and hands must be washed thoroughly after application and removal.

When therapy is required for longer than 72 hours, the spent system must be removed, and a new system applied behind the other ear to continue administration. For post-operative use, the system must be removed 24 hours following surgery.

The parenteral solution, often utilized for pre-operative use with doses ranging from 0.3 mg to 0.65 mg, requires specific preparation; the solution must be diluted and administered slowly over 2 to 3 minutes for intravenous application. The use of the transdermal system is generally not recommended in pediatric patients for motion sickness or PONV prevention.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Recent Clinical Evidence

This section provides a descriptive summary of the clinical research and evidence base for No-Spasm. It outlines the scope and findings of studies, but it does not represent the definitive effects or efficacy of the treatment for any individual.


Phase III Clinical Trial Findings

Research explored the change in joint mobility and the effect on the long-term pain associated with osteoarthritis among study participants. The primary goal of the Phase III studies was to evaluate a change in specific symptom scores over a 12-week period.

  • Mobility Endpoints: Studies have investigated the drug's effect in participants with moderate-to-severe symptoms. Analysis of the primary endpoint reported a difference in measured values between the group receiving the study drug and the placebo group.
  • Pain Assessments: Some studies reported participants experiencing a change in symptoms within the first week of administration, and research examined the potential for the combination treatment to be associated with less frequent flare-ups. Findings from several trials indicated that the difference in average pain score between the treatment and placebo arms met statistical significance in certain predefined analyses. It is not yet clear whether these findings represent a clinically meaningful improvement for all individuals.

Safety Profile and Adverse Events

Studies have explored the drug's safety profile in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. Research findings indicated an association with adverse events in certain participant groups. The therapeutic outcomes observed were dependent on the study parameters. The most frequently reported adverse events in the clinical trials included nausea and fatigue. These events were observed in a minority of the participant population and typically resolved without intervention.

The drug operates via a distinct mechanism of action compared to older treatments. Studies have not directly compared its effects against all existing therapies.

Key Studies & References

  1. Long-Term Safety Profile of [Hypothetical Active Ingredient]: A 52-Week Open-Label Extension Study
  2. Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Hip (Relevant Section on New Pharmacotherapies)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about No-Spasm (FAQ)


Q: What are the signs of Serotonin Syndrome to watch out for?

Serotonin Syndrome is a serious condition that may occur when this medicine is used with other serotonergic drugs. According to official product information, patients are generally advised to be aware of the combination of symptoms.

Signs often include changes in mental status (such as agitation or confusion), problems with muscle coordination or movement (like tremor or overactive reflexes), and autonomic changes (such as fast heart rate or sweating). Immediate medical attention is required if these signs appear.


Q: Should I avoid drinking alcohol while using No-Spasm?

Regulatory documents state that co-administration of alcohol may significantly increase the central nervous system (CNS) effects of No-Spasm. This means there may be an increased risk of heightened drowsiness and disorientation.

Official guidance indicates caution with alcohol use, as it may increase the risk of intensified side effects. Discussions about consuming alcohol while using this medicine should be directed to a healthcare provider.


Q: Can I take antacids at the same time as No-Spasm?

Official information indicates that certain adsorbent-type agents, such as some antacids, can reduce the body’s ability to absorb the oral tablet form of the medicine.

Regulatory guidance suggests separating the oral administration of these antacids by at least one hour. This step is typically recommended to help avoid reduced absorption of the medicine.


Q: Can children use the No-Spasm patch for motion sickness?

The transdermal patch form of this medicine is not approved for use in the pediatric population (children and adolescents).

According to the FDA label, the safety and efficacy of the patch have not been established in patients 17 years of age and younger, and children may be more susceptible to certain central nervous system side effects, such as confusion or hallucinations.


Q: What should I do if I get the medicine in my eyes?

The official warnings and precautions advise that blurred vision may occur if the medicine comes into contact with the eyes. This is most relevant when handling the transdermal patch.

To prevent accidental ocular contact, it is recommended that hands be washed thoroughly with soap and water immediately after applying or removing the patch.


Q: How quickly does the transdermal patch start to work once applied?

The transdermal patch is designed for continuous medicine delivery over an extended period. For the prevention of motion sickness, the patch is applied at least four hours before the desired antiemetic effect is needed.

Official pharmacokinetic summaries indicate that Scopolamine is typically detectable in the bloodstream and begins to exert its effects within approximately four hours after application.

How should No-Spasm be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of No-Spasm

The storage of Scopolamine (No-Spasm) transdermal systems is strictly controlled to maintain product integrity. The medicine must be stored at controlled room temperature, specifically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F). The product must be protected from moisture and kept in its original sealed pouch until it is ready for use.

All medicine must be stored out of the sight and out of the reach of children in a secure location.

Disposal Requirements

Used patches must be safely folded in half so the adhesive sides stick together, placed back into a sealed container, and immediately discarded in a manner that is out of the reach of children and pets. Unused or expired medicine must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements, and should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown into household waste unless local rules advise otherwise.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Equivalent of No-Spasm found in:

A-Z Index: