An alkaloid obtained from the root of Scopolia atro-pinoides, a member of the Solanaceae.

Scopolaminae Hydrobromas

Hydrobromate of scopolamine.

There is also a hydrochlorate, but as the hydrobromate is more easily obtained in a pure state this salt is now preferred.

The dose of the hydrobromate is 1/200 grain to 1/60 grain. The solutions employed by the ophthalmologists have ranged from 1 to 1,000, 1 to 2,000 as given by Raehlmann, and 1 to 1,000, 2 to 1,000, and 4 to 1,000 according to Gutmann.

Actions and Uses

Scopolamine was discovered by A. Schmidt, of Marburg. Raehlmann was the first to give an account of its actions, based on clinical investigations. G. Gutmann, of Berlin, and L. Gross-mann, of Budapest, subsequently reported on its effects, also based on clinical experience in their respective clinics. As a member of the Solanaceae, it was a priori supposed to possess mydriatic qualities, and the investigations of different observers confirm this view. In its actions and uses scopolamine corresponds closely to hyoscine and duboisine. In their clinical observations the ophthalmologists above mentioned compared the actions of the new remedy, especially with atropine. It was found that, as regards the eye symptoms, scopolamine acted more energetically and also more promptly in causing dilatation of the pupil than atropine. The effects are shorter in duration, so that several instillations a day are required to maintain a constant action.

It also affects the accommodative apparatus in a similar manner to atropine, but it has less influence on the intraocular tension. It is more efficient than atropine in inflammatory states of the eye, which is especially true of iritis; for dilating the pupil more decidedly, it breaks up adhesions more thoroughly. As respects dryness of the throat, dizziness, and hallucinations, which instillation of the mydriatics causes, these untoward symptoms are less common, and by no means so prominent, from the use of scopolamine. This agent acts in an opposed manner to atropine on the cerebral cortex; instead of excitement, it induces a quiescent state of the mind and rather disposes to sleep. On the cardiac and respiratory functions it has effects different from atropine; instead of increased action of the heart, and more frequent respiratory movements, it lessens both and tends to cause death by paralysis of respiration.

The testimony of ophthalmologists who have published their observations on scopolamine is strongly in favor of this remedy in most of the conditions for which atropine is now employed. As it acts so strongly on the pupil, and the time of the action is so brief, it is especially preferable for use in some morbid states of the eye, and for ascertaining errors of refraction. As it affects the intraocular tension little or not at all, it is not adapted to the treatment of cases in which the tension needs to be modified.

Scopolamine having properties not unlike hyoscine and duboisine, it would seem to be indicated in mental states characterized by excitement, wakefulness, and active delirium. It will prove valuable, it is probable, in cases of the insomnia of neurasthenia, in such spasmodic affections as chorea, in some examples of epilepsy and allied diseases.

Authorities referred to:

Grossman, Dr. Leopold. Therapeutische Monatshefte, Berlin, Marz, 1895. Gutmann, Dr. G. Ibid., 1894. Raehlmann, Prof. Dr. E. Ibid., Juli, 1894.