Online Guide to Quitting

Preparing to Quit

MEDICATION GUIDE

NICOTINE NASAL SPRAY FACT SHEET

Description of Product:
Nicotine nasal spray is a pump bottle containing nicotine that is inserted into the nose and sprayed. Nicotine nasal spray can be used for fast craving control, especially for heavy smokers.
 
Dosing:
One to Two Sprays in each nostril per hour. Increase as needed for symptom relief. Recommended duration of therapy: 3 to 6 months.
 
Side Effects:
Side effects may include:
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Watering eyes
 
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 the decision to use this product. 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.
 
Special Precautions:
Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Smokers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should try to quit first without assistance from the nicotine nasal spray. The nicotine nasal spray should be used during pregnancy only if the associated benefits outweigh the associated risks.

Chronic nasal/respiratory conditions: Smokers with chronic nasal disorders (e.g., rhinitis, polyps, sinusitis) or those who have severe reactive airway disease should not use the nicotine nasal spray.

Dependency: The nicotine nasal spray may be addicting and individuals may find that the dependence is more than other NRT products.

References: Information provided on the Medication Guide and Fact Sheets was obtained from a variety of sources, such as product information guides; manufacturers' Web sites, medical Web sites, and articles in the medical literature, including Corelli, R.L. & Hudman, K.S. (2006) Pharmacologic interventions for smoking cessation, Crit Care Nurs Clin N Am, 18, 39-51.


Smokefree.gov National Cancer Institute Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institutes of Health Department of Health and Human Services USA.gov