Solanaceous alkaloids, especially scopolamine hydrobromide, are essential topics for B. Pharm students studying pharmacognosy and pharmacology. This introduction explains tropane alkaloid chemistry, sources (Datura, Hyoscyamus, Atropa), anticholinergic mechanism at muscarinic receptors, clinical uses such as motion sickness and preoperative sedation, pharmacokinetics, dosage forms (transdermal, parenteral), adverse effects, toxicology and laboratory assays. Emphasis on structure–activity relationships, metabolism, therapeutic monitoring, and differences from atropine prepares students for both exams and clinical application. It also covers drug interactions, dose calculations, and analytical methods like HPLC and TLC for assay and quality control. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which chemical class does scopolamine hydrobromide belong to?
- Tropane (tropane alkaloid)
- Isoquinoline alkaloid
- Quinolone
- Flavonoid
Correct Answer: Tropane (tropane alkaloid)
Q2. Scopolamine hydrobromide is commonly used clinically as which type of agent?
- Beta-blocker
- Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic)
- Cholinesterase inhibitor
- Calcium channel blocker
Correct Answer: Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic)
Q3. Which plant is a major natural source of scopolamine?
- Digitalis purpurea
- Datura stramonium
- Cinchona officinalis
- Atropa belladonna is not a source
Correct Answer: Datura stramonium
Q4. Compared with atropine, scopolamine is characteristically:
- Less able to cross the blood–brain barrier
- More central nervous system–active and causes greater sedation and amnesia
- Only peripheral in action with no CNS effects
- Primarily an adrenergic agonist
Correct Answer: More central nervous system–active and causes greater sedation and amnesia
Q5. The transdermal scopolamine patch is primarily indicated for prevention of:
- Hypertension
- Motion sickness (nausea and vomiting)
- Epileptic seizures
- Diabetic neuropathy
Correct Answer: Motion sickness (nausea and vomiting)
Q6. Which structural feature distinguishes scopolamine from atropine?
- Presence of an epoxide (oxygen bridge) in the tropane ring
- Presence of a pyridine ring
- A benzodiazepine core
- Glycosidic linkage to glucose
Correct Answer: Presence of an epoxide (oxygen bridge) in the tropane ring
Q7. Scopolamine hydrobromide is the hydrobromide salt primarily because:
- The salt form increases aqueous solubility for parenteral and topical formulations
- The hydrobromide form is inert and not absorbed
- The free base is more stable in tablets
- It reduces CNS penetration permanently
Correct Answer: The salt form increases aqueous solubility for parenteral and topical formulations
Q8. A classic mnemonic describing anticholinergic toxicity includes “hot, blind, dry, and mad.” Which of these is a common anticholinergic sign caused by scopolamine?
- Bradycardia
- Excessive salivation
- Dry mouth and dry skin
- Hypersalivation and lacrimation
Correct Answer: Dry mouth and dry skin
Q9. The preferred antidote for severe scopolamine (anticholinergic) poisoning is:
- Neostigmine
- Atropine
- Physostigmine
- Flumazenil
Correct Answer: Physostigmine
Q10. Which analytical technique is commonly used for quantitative assay of scopolamine in formulations and biological samples?
- HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography)
- Paper chromatography only
- Colorimetry without separation
- Infrared spectroscopy without separation
Correct Answer: HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography)
Q11. Scopolamine exerts its pharmacologic action by competitively antagonizing which receptors?
- Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
- Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors
- Adrenergic alpha receptors
- GABA-A receptors
Correct Answer: Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors
Q12. A practical extraction method for isolating scopolamine from plant material involves:
- Acidify the plant extract, separate aqueous phase, then basify and extract into organic solvent
- Direct extraction with nonpolar solvent only
- Steam distillation as the primary method
- Enzymatic hydrolysis to sugars
Correct Answer: Acidify the plant extract, separate aqueous phase, then basify and extract into organic solvent
Q13. Which reagent gives a characteristic color or precipitate with alkaloids like scopolamine in qualitative tests?
- Biuret reagent
- Dragendorff reagent
- Fehling’s reagent
- Silver nitrate only
Correct Answer: Dragendorff reagent
Q14. In terms of pharmacokinetics, scopolamine is primarily eliminated by:
- Renal excretion after hepatic metabolism
- Exhalation unchanged through lungs
- Fecal excretion only
- Unchanged via bile exclusively
Correct Answer: Renal excretion after hepatic metabolism
Q15. Which of the following is a contraindication to scopolamine use?
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia with urinary retention
- Hypothyroidism
- Controlled asthma
Correct Answer: Benign prostatic hyperplasia with urinary retention
Q16. The scopolamine transdermal patch is typically applied behind the ear and is designed to provide therapeutic effect for approximately:
- 24 hours
- 72 hours (3 days)
- 12 hours
- 2 weeks
Correct Answer: 72 hours (3 days)
Q17. Which term is a synonym commonly used for scopolamine?
- Hyoscine
- Hyoscyamine
- Quinine
- Reserpine
Correct Answer: Hyoscine
Q18. Which muscarinic-mediated effect is reduced by scopolamine in the gastrointestinal tract?
- Increased gastric secretions and motility
- Decreased salivary secretion only
- Increased bile production
- Enhanced peristalsis
Correct Answer: Increased gastric secretions and motility
Q19. Scopolamine’s ability to cause central sedation and amnesia relates to its:
- High affinity for beta-adrenergic receptors
- Lipophilicity and capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier
- Complete inability to cross membranes
- Strong inhibition of monoamine oxidase
Correct Answer: Lipophilicity and capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier
Q20. In drug interaction terms, co-administration of scopolamine with which group would increase anticholinergic adverse effects?
- Beta-lactam antibiotics
- First-generation antihistamines and tricyclic antidepressants
- ACE inhibitors
- Insulin
Correct Answer: First-generation antihistamines and tricyclic antidepressants
Q21. The biosynthetic precursor amino acid involved in tropane alkaloid biosynthesis (leading to scopolamine) is:
- Tryptophan
- Tyrosine
- Ornithine (via putrescine)
- Phenylalanine
Correct Answer: Ornithine (via putrescine)
Q22. Which formulation of scopolamine is commonly used in hospitals for short-term parenteral therapy?
- Hydrobromide injectable solution
- Sustained-release oral tablet of the free base
- Topical cream only
- Intranasal powder
Correct Answer: Hydrobromide injectable solution
Q23. Which of the following adverse effects is commonly associated with scopolamine therapy?
- Excessive lacrimation
- Blurred vision and mydriasis
- Hypersalivation
- Bradykinesia
Correct Answer: Blurred vision and mydriasis
Q24. For quality control of scopolamine-containing products, which rapid qualitative test may be used alongside chromatographic methods?
- Dragendorff spray on TLC plate
- Benedict’s solution
- Biuret test
- Salkowski test
Correct Answer: Dragendorff spray on TLC plate
Q25. Which population is at increased risk of adverse central anticholinergic effects from scopolamine?
- Children under 2 years only
- Elderly patients with cognitive impairment
- Young athletes
- Patients with well-controlled diabetes
Correct Answer: Elderly patients with cognitive impairment
Q26. Which statement about scopolamine pharmacodynamics is correct?
- It is an irreversible muscarinic receptor antagonist
- It is a competitive (reversible) muscarinic receptor antagonist
- It directly stimulates muscarinic receptors
- It selectively blocks nicotinic receptors only
Correct Answer: It is a competitive (reversible) muscarinic receptor antagonist
Q27. The common immediate management step for a patient with anticholinergic delirium from scopolamine includes:
- Administration of physostigmine under monitoring
- High-dose benzodiazepine only
- Immediate dialysis as first-line
- Oral activated charcoal without further intervention
Correct Answer: Administration of physostigmine under monitoring
Q28. Which storage recommendation is appropriate for scopolamine hydrobromide formulations?
- Store protected from light and moisture in a cool, dry place
- Store in direct sunlight to maintain potency
- Keep frozen at all times
- Store in highly alkaline solution
Correct Answer: Store protected from light and moisture in a cool, dry place
Q29. In forensic or toxicology contexts, scopolamine has been reported to cause:
- Profound sedation, amnesia and sometimes criminal misuse
- Immediate convulsions in all cases
- Sudden hypoglycemia
- Complete absence of any CNS effects
Correct Answer: Profound sedation, amnesia and sometimes criminal misuse
Q30. Which receptor family mediates the peripheral effects of scopolamine on heart rate (tachycardia)?
- Muscarinic M2 receptors in the heart
- Beta-2 adrenergic receptors
- GABA receptors
- NMDA receptors
Correct Answer: Muscarinic M2 receptors in the heart
Q31. Which laboratory method offers the most specific identification of scopolamine in a plant extract?
- Thin-layer chromatography with visual spray only
- HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS)
- Observation of odor
- Simple aqueous color test without separation
Correct Answer: HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS)
Q32. Which of the following describes the acid–base characteristics of scopolamine as a drug molecule?
- It is a tertiary amine and can be protonated (salt formation)
- It is a strong mineral acid
- It is a permanent quaternary ammonium compound
- It is neutral and cannot form salts
Correct Answer: It is a tertiary amine and can be protonated (salt formation)
Q33. Which clinical use is less appropriate for scopolamine?
- Preoperative sedation to reduce secretions
- Treatment of motion sickness
- First-line therapy for bacterial infections
- Topical mydriasis for short ophthalmic procedures
Correct Answer: First-line therapy for bacterial infections
Q34. Which adverse urinary effect may develop with scopolamine therapy?
- Polyuria with decreased residual urine
- Urinary retention and difficulty voiding
- Increased urine concentration and diuresis
- Immediate improvement of obstructive uropathy
Correct Answer: Urinary retention and difficulty voiding
Q35. The primary reason scopolamine is formulated as hydrobromide in many products is:
- Hydrobromide salts are insoluble
- To enhance water solubility and formulation stability
- To increase volatility for inhalation
- To prevent skin absorption altogether
Correct Answer: To enhance water solubility and formulation stability
Q36. For prophylaxis of motion sickness using a transdermal patch, when is it recommended to apply the scopolamine patch?
- Immediately after boarding the vehicle only
- At least 4 hours before travel
- Only after symptoms start
- One week before travel
Correct Answer: At least 4 hours before travel
Q37. Which of the following is a true statement about scopolamine and atropine comparison?
- Scopolamine produces stronger central effects than atropine
- Atropine is more centrally sedating than scopolamine
- Neither crosses the blood–brain barrier
- Both are nicotinic agonists
Correct Answer: Scopolamine produces stronger central effects than atropine
Q38. In analytical chemistry for pharmaceuticals, a stability-indicating assay for scopolamine must detect:
- Only the active drug, ignoring degradation products
- Both the active drug and its degradation products
- Only water content
- Only the color changes on storage
Correct Answer: Both the active drug and its degradation products
Q39. Which of the following patient groups should generally avoid scopolamine patches?
- Patients with controlled hypothyroidism
- Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma
- Young healthy adults
- Patients wearing hearing aids
Correct Answer: Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma
Q40. Which of the following mechanisms best explains scopolamine’s antiemetic effect in motion sickness?
- Peripheral blockade of H2 histamine receptors in gut
- Central blockade of muscarinic receptors in vestibular nuclei and brainstem vomiting center
- Agonism at serotonin 5-HT3 receptors
- Stimulation of proprioceptors to damp vestibular signals
Correct Answer: Central blockade of muscarinic receptors in vestibular nuclei and brainstem vomiting center
Q41. Which clinical sign would least likely be caused by scopolamine overdose?
- Hyperthermia from decreased sweating
- Pupillary constriction (miosis)
- Confusion and hallucinations
- Tachycardia
Correct Answer: Pupillary constriction (miosis)
Q42. During formulation development, scopolamine hydrobromide tablets require consideration of the drug’s:
- Water solubility and hygroscopicity
- Complete insolubility in water
- Inability to form salts
- Requirement to be stored at high humidity
Correct Answer: Water solubility and hygroscopicity
Q43. Which of the following is a correct safety counseling point for patients using scopolamine transdermal patches?
- Place the patch on the lower leg for best absorption
- Avoid touching your eyes after handling the patch to prevent ocular effects
- It is safe to use multiple patches for increased effect
- Apply the patch immediately after showering and remove after 1 hour
Correct Answer: Avoid touching your eyes after handling the patch to prevent ocular effects
Q44. Scopolamine’s pharmacological classification in the WHO ATC system falls under which group?
- Antihypertensives
- Antiemetics and antinauseants (anticholinergics)
- Antidiabetics
- Anticoagulants
Correct Answer: Antiemetics and antinauseants (anticholinergics)
Q45. Which laboratory parameter is most directly useful to monitor in severe scopolamine poisoning when physostigmine is administered?
- Blood glucose only
- Cardiac rhythm and respiratory status under monitoring
- Serum sodium exclusively
- Urine ketones only
Correct Answer: Cardiac rhythm and respiratory status under monitoring
Q46. The common pharmacognostic family name for plants producing scopolamine is:
- Fabaceae
- Solanaceae (nightshade family)
- Apiaceae
- Poaceae
Correct Answer: Solanaceae (nightshade family)
Q47. Which physicochemical property of scopolamine contributes to its readiness to form salts like hydrobromide?
- Presence of a tertiary amine nitrogen that can be protonated
- Multiple carboxylic acid groups
- Permanent positive charge as a quaternary ammonium
- Complete nonpolar character
Correct Answer: Presence of a tertiary amine nitrogen that can be protonated
Q48. In formulation analysis, which mobile phase detection combination is most likely used to detect scopolamine by HPLC?
- HPLC with UV or MS detection after appropriate mobile phase selection
- HPLC with detection by simple pH meter only
- Paper chromatography with smell detection
- Gas chromatography without derivatization only
Correct Answer: HPLC with UV or MS detection after appropriate mobile phase selection
Q49. Which clinical scenario would prompt caution or dose reduction when considering scopolamine therapy?
- Young adult with seasonal allergies
- Elderly patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia and cognitive impairment
- Short-term traveler with acute diarrhea
- Patient with well-controlled asthma on inhalers
Correct Answer: Elderly patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia and cognitive impairment
Q50. Which of the following correctly pairs the compound with its common name?
- Scopolamine = Hyoscine
- Scopolamine = Morphine
- Scopolamine = Penicillin
- Scopolamine = Aspirin
Correct Answer: Scopolamine = Hyoscine
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com