Nicotine
It is a highly addictive substance, primarily found in tobacco plants, it acts as a stimulant or
as an anxiety reliever in the components of tobacco products like cigarettes, smokeless
tobacco and e-cigarettes.
Effects of nicotine
Addiction – its is difficult for the user to quit
Stimulation- it increases alertness, energy and focus
Relaxation – it produces feeling of calmness and relaxation
Health risks
Cardiovascular diseases – it increases heart rate and blood pressure
Respiratory problems- it can cause issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Cancer – it is carcinogenic
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRT helps individual to quit nicotine, it provides controlled amount of nicotine to manage
withdrawals symptoms and cravings and they come in different forms which include
Nicotine gums
Nicotine patches
Types of brands
Nicorette
Nicoderm CQ
Habitrol
Nicotine gums
It is chewing gum containing a small dose if nicotine Polacrilex to help people quit smoking
and reduce the craving of smoking, and it is classified as fast acting form because it relieves
the cravings more quickly than nicotine patches and it comes in two doses the 2 mg for light
smokers(less than 20 cigarettes) and 4 mg for heavy smokers( more than 20 cigarettes)
It works by releasing the nicotine in the gum absorbing it through the lining of the mouth so
that it enters the blood stream.
How it works
Chew the gum slowly until a tingling or peppery taste is felt, then you park the gum between
your cheeks and gums and hold it for about a minute to allow the nicotine to absorb into the
body. Repeat the chew and park process for about 30 mins changing where to park the gum.
Take 1 piece of gum every 1-2 hours for the first 6 weeks up to a limit of 9 pieces of gums
and not more than 24 pieces per day. The following weeks you can reduce to 1 pieces of gum
every 2-4 hours then 1 piece every 4-8 hours. A heavy smoker can start with a 4mg pieces
and light smoker can start with a 2mg piece
Precautions
Not for children and non-smokers
Should not be used with other nicotine products
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult the doctor
High blood pressure patients should consult the doctor
Do not eat or drink 25 minutes before or during use
Interaction
Food and drinks – avoid acidic beverages because they reduce nicotine absorption
Medication
Blood pressure – nicotine can raise the blood pressure
Insulin – nicotine can affect blood sugar levels
Acetaminophen – nicotine may affect the levels of acetaminophen in your body
Amitriptyline – nicotine decreases the effectiveness of the medication
Combination
It is safe to use patches and gums at the same time because patches provide steady levels
whilst gums can be used for stronger cravings but in some cases, one should consult the
doctor first to avoid overdose
Warning
Keep out of reach of children and pets
After chewing wrap the gum with a piece of paper and then throw it in the bin
Nicotine patches
These are transdermal patches that release a controlled amount of nicotine into the
bloodstream through the skin. They come in three doses 25 mg for heavy smokers(10 or
more cigarettes), 15 mg for middles smokers (10 or fewer cigarettes) and 10 mg for light
smokers (10 or fewer cigarettes).
Types of patches
16 hours
24 hours
Where to put the patches
Apply the patches on the clean, dry and hairless area of the skin like on the neck, back or hip
How it works
For a heavy smoker, you can start with a 25mg for 6 weeks then 15mg for 2 weeks, then you
finish off with a 10mg for 2 weeks until you round it off to 10 weeks
For a light smoker, you can start at 15mg for 6 weeks, then you reduce to 10mg
The dose depends on how you are changing
Interactions
Caffeine-rich foods and drinks – Nicotine will increase the heart rate
Alcohol- increases dizziness and palpitations
Medication
Atenolol will increase blood pressure
Theophylline and nicotine will decrease the effect
