Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 25, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Commit
- Nicorelief
- Nicorette
In Canada
- Basic Care Mini Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenge - Mint
- Equate Mini Nicotine Lozenge - Fast Dissolving - Mint
- Exact Nicotine Lozenge - Mint
- Good Sense Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenge - Mint
- Life Brand Nicotine Lozenge - Mint
- Nic-Assist - Mint
- Quit Nicotine Gum - Mint
Available Dosage Forms:
- Lozenge/Troche
- Gum
Therapeutic Class: Smoking Cessation Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Cholinergic System
Uses for nicotine
Nicotine oral chewing gum and lozenges are used to help you stop smoking. Nicotine is absorbed from the gum or lozenge in the mouth and enters the blood stream. This replaces the nicotine you would get from smoking and makes the withdrawal effects from not smoking less severe. The amount of nicotine is decreased over time until use is stopped.
Nicotine is available without a prescription, but proof of age (18 years or older) is required.
Before using nicotine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For nicotine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to nicotine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of oral nicotine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Small amounts of nicotine can cause serious unwanted effects in children, and lozenges or gum contain enough nicotine to cause problems, including used pieces.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of oral nicotine in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequa...
