Nicotine (By breathing)

NIK-oh-teen

Helps you quit smoking.

Drug classes

Smoking Cessation Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Nicotine inhaler is used to help you stop smoking. Nicotine is absorbed in the mouth and throat and enters the blood stream. This replaces the nicotine you would get from smoking and makes the withdrawal effects from not smoking less severe. The amount of nicotine is decreased over time until use is stopped.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Device, Powder Under Pressure, Liquid Under Pressure

Use the medicine as directed. It is not meant to be used for more than 6 months.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Stop smoking completely before you begin to use this medicine.

Use the inhaler at a temperature above 60 degrees F.

Insert the nicotine cartridge into the plastic mouthpiece.

Inhale deeply or puff in short breaths. The nicotine turns into a mist that is absorbed. One cartridge will last about 20 minutes.

When the cartridge is empty, take it out of the mouthpiece and throw it away. Make sure children and pets do not have access to a used cartridge.

Wash the reusable mouthpiece often with soap and water. Store it in the plastic storage case when not in use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco while you use this medicine because of the risk of nicotine overdose. Do not use any other nicotine products, including patches or gum.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to nicotine or menthol.

Warnings

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine while you are pregnant. Smoking can seriously harm your unborn child. The risks of using this medicine during pregnancy are not fully known.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems (such as asthma, COPD), diabetes, blood circulation problems (such as Buerger disease, Raynaud disease), heart disease, angina, high blood pressure, a stomach ulcer, thyroid problems, or adrenal problems (such as pheochromocytoma). Tell your doctor if you had a recent heart attack.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Increased heart rate Increased blood pressure

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Chest discomfort or trouble breathing

Dizziness, headache, upset stomach, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweats, blurred vision, trouble hearing, confusion, fainting, or weakness

Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Coughing, stuffy or runny nose

Mouth or throat irritation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Nicorette Inhaler, Nicotrol

There may be other brand names for this medicine.