Antiemetic-related dystonic reaction unmasked by removal of a scopolamine transdermal patch

A case of a dystonic reaction is presented that occurred after the use of prochlorperazine, metoclopramide and ondansetron for the treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting. The onset of dystonia coincided temporally with the removal of a transdermal scopolamine patch used as adjunctive antiemetic therapy. Withdrawal of concurrently administered anticholinergic medication, after recent use of antiemetic medications with dopamine receptor (D2) inhibition, can unmask a dystonic reaction. This case also suggests that transdermal scopolamine may offer an innovative therapy for the treatment of acute dystonic reactions.