Scopolamine hydrobromide, also known as hyoscine hydrobromide, is a medication used to treat nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. The infamous "Devil's Breath" drug is synthesized from scopolamine. The chemical name of the drug, "scopolaminae hydrobromidum," is a mouthful to pronounce. It is spelled as [sko-puh-luh-meen hahy-druh-broh-mahy-duhm] in IPA phonetic transcription. The word is a combination of the chemical names of scopolamine and hydrobromide, which are the active ingredients in the medicine.
Scopolaminae hydrobromidum, commonly known as scopolamine hydrobromide, is a medication that belongs to the class of anticholinergic drugs. It is derived from the plant family Solanaceae and is primarily used for its antispasmodic and antiemetic properties.
Scopolamine hydrobromide acts by blocking the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems. By inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, the medication is able to reduce muscle spasms in various smooth muscles, such as those found in the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and respiratory system. It is particularly useful in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, motion sickness, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Furthermore, scopolamine hydrobromide has been found to possess sedative properties and can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to its use as an adjunct therapy for anesthesia during surgical procedures. It acts on certain brain regions, including the vestibular system, thereby helping to prevent dizziness, vertigo, and nausea associated with motion sickness or inner ear disorders.
Adverse effects of scopolamine hydrobromide may include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and cognitive impairments. Additionally, due to its sedative effects, it can cause drowsiness and may result in decreased motor skills and attention.
In summary, scopolamine hydrobromide is a medication used for its antispasmodic, antiemetic, and sedative properties. It acts by blocking the effects of acetylcholine and is utilized in the treatment of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, motion sickness, postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as for adjunct anesthesia purposes.
Scopolamine hydrobromide, the hydrobromide of an alkaloid derived from scopola; it is chemically identical with hyoscinae hydrobromidum, but is claimed by some to be free from the occasional untoward effects of this salt.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "scopolaminae hydrobromidum" is a Latin term used in the field of pharmacology to refer to the medication called Scopolamine Hydrobromide. Let's break down the etymology of this term:
1. Scopolamine: The word "scopolamine" originates from the plant species Scopolia, specifically the root of Scopolia carniolica. The name Scopolia is derived from the Italian naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli, who first described the plant in the 18th century. The suffix "-amine" in scopolamine refers to the compound being an alkaloid.
2. Hydrobromidum: This is the Latin form of "hydrobromide", which is the specific salt form of scopolamine.