Behind the Patch: The Science Journey of Scopolamine and Motion Sickness
That small patch behind your ear—the one that keeps you from getting queasy on a car ride or cruise ship —has a surprisingly rich scientific backstory. It begins not with modern medicine, but with an ancient plant and a few curious scientists who noticed its powerful effects on the human body.
The Plant That Made People Dizzy—and Then Better
Scopolamine is a compound found in plants of the nightshade family, especially Datura and Scopolia, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and rituals. Known for their mind-altering and nausea-calming effects, these plants were used by healers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia as early as the Middle Ages.
In the late 19th century, scientists began isolating scopolamine as a distinct compound. They quickly noticed its potent effects on the nervous system—it could reduce nausea, relax muscles, and even induce drowsiness or delirium at higher doses. By the early 1900s, doctors were using scopolamine for everything from surgical anesthesia to childbirth sedation (as part of “twilight sleep”).
But the compound’s effect on motion-related nausea was especially intriguing.
A New Mission: Keeping Navy Sailors and Astronauts From Vomiting
During World War II, motion sickness became a serious challenge for naval operations. Military scientists turned to scopolamine because of its ability to block signals in the brain’s inner ear system, which controls balance and motion perception. This made it ideal for calming the sensory confusion that causes seasickness.
But while it worked well, oral scopolamine also caused unpleasant side effects—especially drowsiness and dry mouth.
The Breakthrough: Transdermal Technology
Scientists knew scopolamine was effective, but they needed a better delivery system. In the 1970s, scientists developed a transdermal patch that released the drug slowly through the skin.
In 1979, the Transderm Scōp® patch became the first prescription transdermal product approved by the FDA. Placed behind the ear, it provided steady relief from motion sickness for up to three days—without the sharp peaks and side effects of pills.
It was a landmark achievement in pharmaceutical innovation, combining centuries-old plant knowledge with cutting-edge drug delivery science.
From Ancient Herb to Everyday Help
Today, the motion sickness patch is used by Navy sailors, cruise-goers, pilots, astronauts, and patients recovering from surgery. It stands as a powerful example of how science builds on traditional knowledge, uses research to improve safety, and delivers real-world solutions that improve lives—sometimes, one patch at a time.
