Nicotine

Molecule Description

Nicotine is used for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for people with smoking

addiction. It is available a transdermal patch, chewing gums, nasal inhaler spray and tablets. Using a controlled amount of nicotine helps to reduce the withdrawal symptoms when you quit smoking.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Nicotine

To quit smoking
To quit tobacco chewing habit

Contraindications of Nicotine

When should one not use Nicotine

Heart disease
Heart rhythm disorder
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Stomach ulcer
Seizures
Allergy to Nicotine

Side effects of Nicotine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Sleep disturbances and vivid dreams
Nicotine gum and lozenges may cause heartburn, hiccups and nausea
Nicotine nasal spray and inhaler may cause throat irritation, runny nose, sneezing and coughing
Nicotine patch may cause skin irritation

Precautions and Warnings of Nicotine

Pregnancy

Can I take Nicotine during pregnancy?

Nicotine and smoking may harm your unborn baby. If you are pregnant, try to stop smoking without using nicotine. During pregnancy, this medication should be used if and only when prescribed by the doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Nicotine while breastfeeding?

Nicotine from smoking and this medicine passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Nicotine?

Using this medicine is not known to affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Nicotine?

Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages when taking Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Take the dose of this medicine strictly as prescribed by your doctor
Do not alter the dosage in any case by yourself
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes
Monitor your blood sugar levels more often when you start using this medicine
Doctor may adjust the dose of Insulin you take
All your ongoing medicines

Mode of Action of Nicotine

How Does It Work?

Nicotine can help you to quit smoking by replacing Nicotine in cigarettes. When you stop smoking, nicotine levels in the body drop suddenly, causing withdrawal symptoms like nervousness, irritability,...

Interactions of Nicotine

Interactions with other medicines

Medicines for high blood pressure (e.g.,beta-blockers such as Labetalol, Prazosin)
Bronchodilators/ decongestants (such as Isoproterenol, Phenylephrine )
If you stop smoking, it can change the way the liver removes certain medicines from your body (e.g. Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Insulin, Oxazepam, Pentazocine, Propoxyphene, Propranolol, Theophylline)
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Amitriptyline/ Imipramine
Water pills/ Diuretics such as Furosemide

Interactions with food items

No interactions specified.

Dosage of Nicotine

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose can be lethal. Burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sweating, headache, dizziness, hearing and visual disturbances, weak...

Missed a Dose

Skip the missed dose if it is almost the time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Nicotine?

A: Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. The doctor should also know about other health supplements like herbal medications and nutritional supplements that you may take before starting this medication.

Q: What are the precautions should I take while on this medicine?

A: The dosage regimen of medicine should be followed regularly. Any dose miscalculation will have a serious effect.

References

Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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