Herb & supplement monograph

Scopolia Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Scopolia interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Scopolia is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Scopolia is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Scopolia Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the risk of a clinically significant Scopolia drug interaction is high, and this supplement should be treated with real caution alongside many common medications. Every interaction on record for Scopolia is rated major, with none falling into the moderate or minor range.

Interactions deserving the most attention

Scopolia naturally contains scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine, the same active compounds found in some prescription drugs, so its effects can stack with medicines that work the same way. The biggest concerns are anticholinergic drugs and tricyclic antidepressants, where combining them can intensify side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, fast heart rate, confusion, and trouble urinating. Quinidine, a heart rhythm medicine, is also flagged because Scopolia may increase both its effects and its side effects.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications here is not padding with theoretical concerns. It largely reflects the many drugs that share or amplify these drying, heart-rate, and nervous-system effects. The evidence comes mostly from smaller human studies and case reports rather than large trials, but the pattern points in one consistent direction: this plant acts like a drug, not a benign supplement.

Check your medications against Scopolia

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Scopolia interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Scopolia

200 medications have a known interaction with Scopolia, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

200 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Scopolia.

2,830 drugs
AcepromazineAtravet› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more› Acetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps› Acetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief› Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineEx Strength Tylenol Sinus Nighttime› Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES› Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs› Aclidinium BromideTudorza Pressair› Aclidinium Bromide, Formoterol Fumarate DihydrateDuaklir Pressair› Aerosphere Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate, GlycopyrrolateBreztri› AmantadineGocovri, Osmolex ER, Symmetrel› AminoglutethimideCytadren› AmitriptylineElavil›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Scopolia combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Scopolia affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Scopolia is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Scopolia interacts with
Anticholinergic DrugsQuinidineTricyclic Antidepressants (tcas)
Anticholinergic Drugs

The alkaloid constituents of scopolia, including hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and atropine, could potentiate the effects and adverse effects of anticholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Quinidine

Concomitant use of quinidine with scopolia might increase the effects and side effects of quinidine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tricyclic Antidepressants (Tcas)

Concomitant use of TCAs with scopolia can increase the risk for anticholinergic effects and adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

Scopolia: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Scopolia is a poisonous plant in the nightshade family that contains powerful anticholinergic alkaloids like atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. While these compounds are used in carefully measured prescription medicines, the raw plant is dangerous for self-treatment and should never be used without a doctor's supervision.

Scopolia
Scientific name
Scopolia carniolica
Family
Solanaceae
Part used
Rhizome (root) and leaves
Common forms
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and as a source for isolated alkaloid drugs (rarely sold as a stand-alone supplement)
People commonly use it for
  • Stomach and intestinal cramps
  • Motion sickness
  • Spasms and colic
  • Excess saliva or secretions
  • Pain relief (traditional)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Scopolia is toxic and unsafe for self-medication because of its potent anticholinergic alkaloids.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When the root or rhizome is used orally as a medicine; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When the root or rhizome is used orally as a medicine; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Scopolia is a plant genus in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which also includes tomato, potato, and tobacco. Common species include Scopolia carniolica, Scopolia japonica, and Scopolia tangutica. These plants grow naturally in parts of Europe and Asia.

The plant is best known for its poisonous nature. It contains several strong alkaloids — including hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine — that act on the nervous system. Historically, the rhizome (underground stem) and leaves have been used in traditional medicine and as a source for making prescription drugs.

Because of its toxicity, Scopolia is not a typical dietary supplement and is rarely sold for everyday use. The pure alkaloids it contains, however, are used in tightly controlled, measured doses in modern medicine.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used Scopolia for digestive cramps, intestinal colic, spasms, motion sickness, and to reduce excess body secretions. These traditional uses are based on the plant's anticholinergic effects.

It is important to understand that there is very little high-quality clinical research on Scopolia as a whole-plant remedy. Most of the evidence supporting its medical effects actually comes from studies of its isolated alkaloids — such as atropine and scopolamine — which are made into standardized prescription drugs. Those purified drugs are well studied; the raw herb used for self-treatment is not.

For nearly all popular uses, the evidence for using Scopolia itself is limited and does not support safe self-medication. Any benefit is closely tied to potent, dose-dependent alkaloids that are easy to overdose on.

How it works

Scopolia's main active compounds are tropane alkaloids, including hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine. These are strong anticholinergics, meaning they block a chemical messenger in the body called acetylcholine.

By blocking acetylcholine, these alkaloids can relax smooth muscle in the gut, reduce spasms, slow certain secretions like saliva, and affect the part of the brain involved in nausea and motion sickness. This is the same basic mechanism behind some prescription medicines.

Because these effects depend heavily on dose, small amounts can have medicinal-type effects while larger amounts quickly become toxic. The line between an active dose and a poisonous one is narrow.

Safety & precautions

Scopolia is considered unsafe for self-medication. The plant is genuinely poisonous, and it is very difficult to measure a safe dose at home. Poisoning can occur even with small amounts.

People who should especially avoid it include children, older adults, and anyone with glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, urinary retention, heart rhythm problems, or bowel obstruction — conditions that can be worsened by anticholinergic effects.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid Scopolia entirely. Its alkaloids can cross into the body's systems, and there is not enough safety information to consider it appropriate during pregnancy or while nursing.

Any use of Scopolia or its alkaloids should only happen under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor before considering any product that contains it.

Side effects

Because of its anticholinergic alkaloids, Scopolia can cause a wide range of side effects, even at modest amounts. Common ones include dry mouth, blurred vision, dilated pupils, flushed skin, fast heartbeat, constipation, difficulty urinating, and drowsiness or confusion.

More serious and potentially life-threatening effects can include high fever, agitation, hallucinations, severe confusion, seizures, dangerous heart rhythms, and breathing problems. Overdose can be fatal.

If you suspect poisoning from Scopolia or any nightshade plant, seek emergency medical care immediately or contact a poison control center.

Scopolia: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Scopolia from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Scopolia is generally regarded as unsafe for use. Any benefits of therapy may not outweigh the risk of toxicity. Orally, scopolia root acts on the central nervous system and can cause dry mouth, dry and reddened skin, hyperthermia, disturbance of ocular accommodation, tachycardia, difficulty urinating, glaucoma attacks, and constipation. Early symptoms of scopolia poisoning include reddened skin, dry mouth, and tachycardic arrhythmias. Additional symptoms include restlessness, compulsive speech, hallucinations, delirium, manic episodes, exhaustion, and asphyxiation.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Reports by condition
Arrhythmia Neurologic/CNS

Orally, adverse effects of scopolia are generally related to the central nervous system. Scopolia root can cause dry mouth, dry and reddened skin, hyperthermia, disturbance of ocular accommodation, tachycardia, difficulty urinating, glaucoma attacks, and constipation. Early symptoms of scopolia poisoning include reddened skin, dry mouth, and tachycardic arrhythmias. Additional symptoms include central excitation including restlessness, compulsive speech, hallucinations, delirium, and manic episodes, followed by exhaustion and asphyxiation.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Arrhythmia Cardiovascular

Orally, scopolia root can cause tachycardia and tachycardic arrhythmias due to its activity on the central nervous system.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Constipation Gastrointestinal

Orally, scopolia root can cause dry mouth and constipation due to its activity on the central nervous system.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Glaucoma Ocular/Otic

Orally, scopolia root can cause disturbance of ocular accommodation and glaucoma attacks due to its activity on the central nervous system.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established safe over-the-counter dose of Scopolia for self-care. Because the plant contains powerful and toxic alkaloids, even small differences in amount can be the difference between an effect and a poisoning.

The purified alkaloids found in Scopolia are dosed precisely in prescription products by trained professionals. The whole plant should not be measured or used at home.

If you are considering any product that lists Scopolia or its alkaloids, follow the product label exactly and check with a pharmacist or doctor first. When in doubt, do not use it.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Scopolia & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When the root or rhizome is used orally as a medicine; avoid using.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Scopolia & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When the root or rhizome is used orally as a medicine; avoid using.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 4 references that drive our Scopolia monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  4. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Scopolia: Common Questions

Does Scopolia interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 200 medications with a known interaction with Scopolia, including 200 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Scopolia interacts with a specific drug.
How are Scopolia interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Scopolia with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Scopolia interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Scopolia used for?
Traditionally it has been used for stomach and intestinal cramps, spasms, motion sickness, and to reduce secretions, but these uses are based on its strong anticholinergic alkaloids rather than solid evidence for the raw plant.
Is Scopolia safe to take on my own?
No. Scopolia is a poisonous plant, and self-medicating with it is dangerous. It should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Can I use Scopolia while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. You should avoid Scopolia during pregnancy and breastfeeding because its alkaloids can affect you and your baby, and there is not enough safety information.
What are the warning signs of Scopolia poisoning?
Signs include dry mouth, blurred vision, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, flushed skin, confusion, hallucinations, and in severe cases seizures or trouble breathing. Seek emergency care or call poison control right away.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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