nicotine inhaler - oral, Nicotrol
GENERIC NAME: NICOTINE INHALER - ORAL (NICK-oh-teen)
BRAND NAME(S): Nicotrol
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication can help you quit smoking by replacing the nicotine in cigarettes. The nicotine in tobacco is an important part of cigarette addiction. When you stop smoking, your nicotine levels drop quickly. This drop can cause withdrawal symptoms such as craving tobacco, nervousness, irritability, headache, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. Using the inhaler can replace the hand-to-mouth habit of smoking.Stopping smoking is hard and your chance of success is best when you are ready and have made a commitment to quit. Nicotine replacement products are part of a total stop-smoking program that includes behavior change, counseling, and support. Smoking causes lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and live longer.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using your nicotine inhaler and each time you get a refill. Follow all the directions for use carefully. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.It is very important to stop smoking completely while using this nicotine product. Insert a cartridge into the mouthpiece and inhale the medication by quickly puffing on the mouthpiece for four 5-minute sessions or continually for about 20 minutes. Although using the inhaler is like smoking a cigarette, you do not need to inhale deeply as you would a cigarette for the medicine to work. The medicine works in the mouth and throat, not in the lungs.Avoid acidic food and drink (e.g., citrus fruit, coffee, juices, carbonated drinks) for 15 minutes before inhaling this medication.After using the inhaler for a total of 20 minutes, remove the used cartridge and throw it away out of reach of children and pets. The mouthpiece is reusable. Clean with soap and water.When you quit smoking, start using a nicotine cartridge whenever you crave a cigarette. Usually, you will use at least 6 cartridges each day for the first 3 to 6 weeks or as directed by your doctor. Do not use more than 16 cartridges in a day. Your doctor may direct you to use this product on a regular schedule as well as at times when you have the urge to smoke. Regular use can help your body get used to the medication and decrease side effects such as sore throat. The best dose for you is the dose that decreases the urge to smoke without side effects from too much nicotine. Follow your doctor's orders carefully. Your dose will need to be adjusted to your needs, including smoking history and medical condition.After you have stopped smoking and you have reached the best dose and schedule for you, continue at that dose. Usually, after about 3 months, your doctor will help you gradually reduce your dose until you are no longer smoking and no longer need nicotine replacement.This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as tobacco cravings, nervousness, irritability, headache) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.Tell your doctor if you have not been able to quit smoking after using this product for 4 weeks. Some smokers are unsuccessful the first time they try to quit. You may need to stop using this product and try again later. Many people who cannot quit the first time are successful the next time.
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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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