We want to prescribe scopolamine, as a transdermal drug delivery system (skin patch), for a patient who will be leaving for an expensive cruise and is very susceptible to motion sickness. For which of the following co-morbidities is scopolamine contraindicated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angle-closure (narrow-angle) glaucoma. Scopolamine, an anticholinergic medication, can worsen angle-closure glaucoma by causing pupil dilation leading to increased intraocular pressure. This can result in a sudden and severe increase in eye pressure, leading to potential vision loss. Therefore, it is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
B: Bradycardia is not a contraindication for scopolamine use as it may actually help in treating motion sickness.
C: History of shellfish allergies is not a contraindication for scopolamine as the medication is not derived from shellfish and is safe for patients with this allergy.
D: Resting blood pressure of 112/70 is not a contraindication for scopolamine use as it falls within the normal range and should not pose any significant risk.