Medication Guide
Nicotine Inhaler Fact Sheet
Description of Product: |
A nicotine inhaler is a cartridge attached to a mouthpiece. Inhaling through the mouthpiece delivers a set amount of nicotine to the user. |
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Dosing: |
6–16 cartridges daily (approximately one cartridge every 1–2 hours). Each cartridge delivers 4 mg of nicotine over 80–100 inhalations (approximately 20 minutes of active puffing). Recommended duration of therapy is up to 6 months (decrease dosage during last 3 months of treatment). |
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Side Effects: |
Side effects may include:
- Throat irritation
- Mouth irritation
- Coughing
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Precautions: |
This fact sheet was created to give you a general understanding of this medication. Please note that this fact sheet may not provide you with all the information you need to make a decision about using this medication. Always read the instructions on the package carefully and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe medical problem, talk with your doctor before starting any new medication. |
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Special Precautions: |
Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Smokers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should try to quit first without using the nicotine inhaler. The nicotine inhaler should be used during pregnancy only if the associated benefits outweigh the associated risks.
Breathing conditions: Smokers with lung problems, such as asthma, should use the nicotine inhaler with caution. |
References: Information in the medication guide and fact sheets is from a variety of sources, such as product information guides; manufacturers' Web sites, medical Web sites, and articles in the medical literature, including Corelli RL & Hudman KS. Pharmacologic interventions for smoking cessation, Crit Care Nurs Clin N Am 2006;18, 39–51.
