The patch delivers an antimuscarinic compound commonly called Scopolamine, which is derived from plants. Specifically, it interferes with muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which have a variety of functions. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter and by reducing the activity of these receptors the pathway by which the nausea effect occurs is actually inhibited. Several different receptors exist along the cell surface and when they are bound to a ligand, this often causes a cascade of different reactions. The process as a whole is quite complicated; however, some believe motion sickness is caused by the brain believing that some toxin is causing a hallucination that the body is moving when other sensors, such as sight, tell the brain that there is no motion. Scopolamine can either be delivered transdermally, such as the patch here, or orally. The patch provides a way for the drug to diffuse through the skin over the course of time. Additionally, as with any drug, scopolamine needs to be taken as directed from the pharmacist; otherwise it can cause hallucinations and other effects if taken in sufficient quantities. I have included several WebPages that can provide more detailed information on transdermal patches, scopolamine, and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

The Transderm Scop patch is designed to release the drug Scopalomine.Scopalomine is a "muscarinic antagonist" - it blocks certain processes that occur in our nervous system (the brain) that cause things like nausea. Its like turning off the neurons (cells) that make us feel sick, while keeping the other neurons on, which allow us to talk, eat, breath, etc. The active molecule is derived from plants such as jimson weed or other nightshades.

The patch works by slowly releasing the drug, which is contained in a reservoir in the patch. The sticky layer is "microporous" which allows the drug to slowly seep through over time. On contact with the skin, the drug molecule is just absorbed and circulated through the blood stream.