In this episode of the RLP podcast, I discuss scopolamine pharmacology.
Scopolamine patches can be used in the management of motion sickness and surgery/anesthesia induced nausea and vomiting.
Transdermal scopolamine has a slow onset of action so we need to be deliberate about the timing of placement (usually 4-6 hours prior to anticipated time of symptoms).
Transdermal scopolamine is highly anticholinergic and can cause dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion.
Prochlorperazine has several potential mechanisms of action. It can block dopamine and alpha receptors as well as have anticholinergic effects.
Prochlorperazine is classified as an antipsychotic and antiemetic. It is very seldom used as an antipsychotic in clinical practice and more used for its antiemetic effects.
Because of the anticholinergic activity of prochlorperazine, there is potential for dry mouth, dry eyes, urinary retention, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects.
Prochlorperazine does have the potential to have some alpha blocking activity. Keep an eye out for hypotension in patients who may be at risk.
Ondansetron (Zofran) is a medication used for nausea and vomiting. In this episode, I lay out the pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions and more!
Ondansetron has been reported to increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. I discuss this further on the podcast.
Ondansetron can exacerbate QTc prolongation. Keep an eye out for patients who may have risk factors or be on other medications that can contribute to this. I discuss this further on this podcast.
Ondansetron is often used for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. I discuss this and other indications on the podcast.
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that can be given orally or rectally for management of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Because budesonide has a high first pass metabolism, the relative impact of systemic effects may be less than other steroids like prednisone.
Remember that CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the concentrations of budesonide. I discuss this further on the podcast.
Different dosage forms of budesonide (oral versus rectal) can be used for different reasons. The site of the inflammation in Ulcerative colitis can determine which dosage form is most appropriate.