Nicotine Description

Generic Name : NICOTINE

Pronunciation : (nik oh teen')

Trade Name(s) : Nicotinell TTS

Why it is prescribed: Nicotine chewing gum is used to help people stop smoking. It acts as a substitute oral activity and provides a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawl symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped.

When it is to be taken: Follow the instructions on your prescription label and the package carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.

How it should be taken: Whenever you have the urge to smoke a cigarette, chew a piece of gum slowly until you can taste the nicotine or feel a slight tingling in your mouth. Then stop chewing. When the tingling is almost gone, start chewing again; repeat this procedure for about 30 minutes.

Special Instruction :
1. Do not stop using the gum unless your craving for nicotine is satisfied by one or two pieces of gum per day.
2. Follow your doctor's instructions for gradually reducing the number of pieces of gum chewed per day to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
3. Signs of nicotine withdrawal include craving for tobacco, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, headache, drowsiness, and stomach upset.

Side Effects :
1. Irritation or tingling sensation of tongue, mouth, and throat; mouth ulcers; jaw ache; dizziness; headache; Insomnia; irritability; hiccups. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or are severe.
2. Indigestion, nausea. Chew the gum more slowly.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially albuterol, furosemide, imipramine, metaproterenol, pentazocine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, propoxyphene, propranolol, pseudoephedrine, theophylline, and terbutaline.
2. Do not smoke cigarettes while using the gum; nicotine overdose can result. Signs of overdose include nausea, increased salivation, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, headache, dizziness, hearing and visual disturbances, mental confusion, and weakness.
3. Do not use the gum more often than instructed. Do not use more than 30 pieces of gum per day or use it for longer than three months without consulting your doctor.
4. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
5. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, heart pain, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid gland, diabetes (type I), or ulcers.

Storage Conditions : Keep nicotine gum out of the reach of children and protect it from light.