Nicotine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat symptoms of nicotine withdrawal when you stop smoking.

How does it work?

• Nicotine is a substitute for the nicotine in cigarettes. The medicine can slowly be decreased. You do not feel the side effects of quitting.

How is it best taken?

• 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.
• Use inhaler as directed by healthcare provider.
• If you are using the patch, use on clean, dry skin. Move site for each patch. Use on trunk of body or upper arm. This includes chest, back, and belly.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Gum chewing can cause problems with dental work.
• When you stop smoking, other medicines may be affected. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Support or counseling improves the success of quitting. Talk with healthcare provider.
• 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, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use if you are pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or tired. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Inability to sleep and nervousness.
• Jaw ache from gum.
• Redness, itching, or burning at site from patch use.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

General statements

• 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, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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