Classes
DEA Class; OTC, Rx
Common Brand Names; Commit, Habitrol, Nicoderm CQ, NICOrelief, Nicorette, Nicotrol, Nicotrol NS
- Antismoking Agents
Description
Natural alkaloid of complex pharmacology inherent to the autonomic nervous system
Used primarily for non-prescription (OTC) therapy to aide smoking cessation (patches, gum, lozenges); vaping solutions and electronic cigarretes are not FDA-monitored
Prescription-only products (nasal spray, inhalation) are also available
Indications
Used for use as an adjunct to psychosocial interventions for tobacco cessation (smoking cessation), including the treatment of nicotine withdrawal.
Contraindications
Nicotine products are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to nicotine or any components of the specific product
Adverse Effects
Anaphylactoid reactions, bronchospasm, Psychological dependence, Physiological dependence
Increased blood pressure
Tachycardia
Dizziness
Insomnia
Irritability
Anorexia
Dyspepsia
Hiccups
Increased salivation
Warnings
Irritating to nasal mucosa
Not studied in reactive airway disease; may cause bronchospasm
Caution with hypertension, cardiovascular, or peripheral vascular disease
Caution with hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, or insulin-dependent diabetes, since nicotine causes the release of catecholamines by the adrenal medulla
Delays healing of peptic ulcer disease
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: D
Lactation: Unknown whether excreted in breast milk; use caution
Maximum Dosage
21 mg/day transdermally; 24 pieces/day chewing gum; 20 lozenges/day; 40 sprays/day of nostril nasal spray; 64 mg/day for oral inhalation.
21 mg/day transdermally; 24 pieces/day chewing gum; 20 lozenges/day; 40 sprays/day of nostril nasal spray; 64 mg/day for oral inhalation.
Safety and efficacy have not been established; off-label studies suggest 24 pieces chewing gum/day; 21 mg/day transdermal patch if weight 45 kg or more and 14 mg/day transdermal patch if weight less than 45 kg.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Not indicated.