Nicotine



Commit™[OTC]; NicoDerm® CQ®[OTC]; Nicorette®[OTC]; Nicotrol® Inhaler; Nicotrol® NS; Nicotrol® Patch [OTC]







Nicotine

(nik oh TEEN)

U.S. Brand Names
Commit™[OTC]; NicoDerm® CQ®[OTC]; Nicorette®[OTC]; Nicotrol® Inhaler; Nicotrol® NS; Nicotrol® Patch [OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
Habitrol®; Nicoderm®; Nicorette®; Nicorette® Plus; Nicotrol®
Mexican Brand Names
Nicotinell TTS®
Pharmacologic Category
Smoking Cessation Aid
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to nicotine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.
  • If you have temporomandibular joint disease and are using the nicotine gum.
  • If you are smoking during recovery from a heart attack.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat nicotine withdrawal.
How does it work?
  • Nicotine is a substitute for smoking and can help decrease withdrawal symptoms.
How is it best taken?
  • Get counseling to improve the success of quitting.
  • Inhaler:
  • Use inhaler as directed.
  • Gum:
  • If you are using the gum, chew slowly over 30 minutes. Do not swallow gum. Do not eat or drink within 15 minutes of using gum.
  • Patch:
  • Apply patch to clean, dry, healthy skin on the chest, back, belly, or upper arm. Move site with each patch.
  • Lozenge:
  • Suck oral lozenge. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 15 minutes before or after meals.
  • Nasal:
  • For the nose only.
  • Shake well before use.
  • Blow your nose before use.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • May contain conducting metal. Remove patch before MRI.
  • Gum chewing can cause problems with dental work.
  • When you stop smoking, other medicines may be affected. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.
  • If pregnant and using patch, consider removal at night.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Jaw ache from gum.
  • Inability to sleep.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Nasal irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Very nervous and excitable.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: