Types of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (Part 2): Nicotine Nasal Sprays, Inhalers, and Lozenges




Last time we have talked about nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) means that are available in drug stores for any customer without prescription. There are three other nicotine containing products that can be helpful: two prescription items – nasal sprays and inhalers and the newest invention sold over-the-counter – nicotine lozenges.

1. Nicotine Nasal Spray. Like nicotine gum, nasal spray eliminates withdrawal symptoms very quickly and lets one establish a schedule by which nicotine would be taken. It is especially helpful for heavy smokers. Although the spray is easy to use, Food and Drug Administration does not recommend taking it for more than 6 months. The best solution would be a 3-month prescription, because the spray can cause addiction which will be harder to fight.

A single dose consists of two sprays: one to each nostril. A person should not have more than 5 doses per hour and 40 doses per day. After a few days the number of doses should be reduced and by the end of 12-week period the usage of the spray can be completely eliminated.

This type of NRT applies nicotine to nose where it is quickly absorbed, this is why it should not be used by those who have allergies, asthma, nasal polyps or sinus problems.

Several side effects can occur like nasal irritation, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and coughing, but as a rule they go away after a week or two.

2. Nicotine Inhalers are the closest to cigarettes by the way of usage and by look. They are thin plastic pipes which contain a tiny nicotine cartridge. When a smoker puffs from one of those, the cartridge lets out nicotine, but does not give other bad chemicals as cigarettes do. One cartridge allows about 400 puffs of nicotine: 80 of which would be an equivalent of one cigarette.

Although the results are various for different people, it is usually believed that the best effect can be achieved after 20 minutes of puffing. This is as much as one cartridge lasts. One “smoking” like this provides 4 mg of nicotine, only 2 of which are absorbed (an equivalent of 2 cigarettes).

Most of the inhalers, for example, for asthmatics, are made to deliver medications straight to lungs. Nicotine inhalers let out the vapor to the mouth. It is recommended to use about 6-16 cartridges per day for less than 6 months.

The side-effects are minimal: coughing, stomach problems and throat irritation.

Although, for many participants inhalers are really helpful, because they are applied as cigarettes, they are the most expensive ones out of all NRT types.

3. Nicotine Lozenges are the newest type of nicotine replacement therapy. They were introduced to customers in 2002. Nicotine lozenge is made like a hard candy that lets out nicotine while dissolving in ex-smoker’s mouth.

In many ways this type is close to nicotine gum: lozenge is also available with 2 or 4 mg, depending on the dosage needed. One should not eat or drink 15 minutes before and during having lozenge. The side-effects are basically the same: nausea, hiccups, heartburn, stomach problems, etc., but they usually occur if the “candy” is swallowed or bitten.

It is recommended to have less than 20 lozenges a day for about 3 months during which the doze should be reduced gradually. It takes 20-30 minutes for one “candy” to dissolve completely.

There are several other nicotine containing products that could help, but only these five are approved by Food and Drug Administration.

Maria White

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Posted on March 26, 2009 
Filed Under How to Quit Smoking, Stop Smoking, Stop Smoking News

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