Written by : Dr. Urusa I Inamdar

Nicotine gum

Nicotine polacrilex .

• Buccal absorption
• 4 mg of nicotine ( India )
• Two varieties in India : gutkha and mint flavour
• Duration of treatment is 4-6 weeks ; start weaning after 2-3 months .
• Brand name : nicorette , nulife , nicotex

Nicotine patch ( transdermal )

• Ready absorption of nicotine across the skin .
• 3 of the patches are for 24 hr use and one is for 16 hr ( waking ) use .
• Starting doses are 21-22 mg/ 24 hr patch and 15 mg/ 16 hr patch .
• The recommended total duration of treatment is usually 6-12 weeks .
• Brand name : habitrol , nicodern – cq , nicotrol

Patient instruction for nicotine patch:

• Do not smoke while using the patch .
• Rotate the patch site to minimize skin irritation .
• If insomnia occurs , remove patch before going to bed or use 16 hr patch .
• Apply a new patch every day ( remove old patch ) in a location between the neck and waist that is relatively hairless and where the skin is not broken . Apply to a different location each day .

Nicotine nasal spray

• 8-40 dosage per day .
• Nasal irritation may occur .
• Treatment time : 3-6 months .
• Brand name : nicotrol nasal spray

Nicotine inhaler

• 6-16 cartridges /day
• Mouth and throat irritation may occur .
• Treatment time : upto 6 months .
• Brand name : nicotrol inhaler

References

• Dental notes
• Google.com