Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 17, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Habitrol
- Nicoderm CQ
- Nicotrol
In Canada
- Nicoderm
Available Dosage Forms:
- Patch, Extended Release
Therapeutic Class: Smoking Cessation Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Cholinergic System
Uses for nicotine
Nicotine skin patches are used to help you stop smoking. Nicotine is absorbed from the patch on the skin 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 nicotine skin patches in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Small amounts of nicotine can cause serious unwanted effects in children, and patches contain enough nicotine to cause problems, including used patches.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of nicotine skin patches in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using nicotine.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be us...
