Online Guide to Quitting

Preparing to Quit

MEDICATION GUIDE

NICOTINE INHALER FACT SHEET

Description of Product:
A nicotine inhaler consists of a cartridge attached to a mouthpiece. Inhaling through the mouthpiece delivers a specific amount of nicotine to the user.
 
Dosing:
Six to 16 cartridges daily (approximately one cartridge every 1 -2 hours) each cartridge delivers 4 mg of nicotine over 80 to 100 inhalations (approximately 20 minutes of active puffing). Recommended duration of therapy is up to 6 months (decrease dosage during final 3 months of treatment).
 
Side Effects:
Side effects may include:
  • Throat irritation
  • Mouth irritation
  • Coughing
 
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 inhaler. The nicotine inhaler should be used during pregnancy only if the associated benefits outweigh the associated risks.

Respiratory conditions: Smokers with bronchial problems, such as asthma, should use the nicotine inhaler with caution.

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