Nicorette Inhalers (nicotine inhalers)

Brand Name

Nicorette Inhalers {Johnson & Johnson}

Generic Name

nicotine, pronounced Ni coh teen

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What are Nicorette Inhalers?

Nicorette Inhalers help you stop smoking  by replacing the nicotine you get from smoking with controlled amounts of nicotine inhaled by mouth through a small hand-held inhaler. Nicorette Inhalers are typically used for up to six months along with a stop-smoking program.

Nicorette Inhalers may also be used for reasons not stated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Nicorette Inhalers

Nicorette Inhalers are usually used for up to six months along with a stop-smoking program. These programs may include behavior changes, counseling, education, and support group sessions.

Women who are pregnant, children and non-smokers should not use Nicorette Inhalers due to harmful effects of this product.

The Nicorette Inhaler works by calming your craving for a cigarette as well as satisfying the  hand-to-mouth ritual craved by many smokers. The Nicorette Inhaler allows you to inhale through your mouth, absorbing nicotine in your mouth and throat, but not in your lungs. Roughly eight to ten puffs on the Nicorette Inhaler provides the same amount of nicotine as one puff on a cigarette. Your withdrawal effects from nicotine are less severe as the Nicorette Inhaler takes the place of the nicotine that you would otherwise get from smoking. As your body adjusts to not smoking, the use of the Nicorette Inhaler will be decreased gradually until your use of it finally stops.

You should not smoke while using Nicorette Inhalers, as smoking while using this medication can be dangerous.

You must be 18 or older to use the Nicorette Inhalers.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.  The Nicorette Inhaler is in FDA pregnancy category D. It is known that Nicorette Inhalers may cause problems in your newborn. Consult with your doctor if you become pregnant while using Nicorette Inhalers. You should not breast-feed while using Nicorette Inhalers, as we know that Nicorette Inhalers can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Before You Take Nicorette Inhalers

If you have heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, asthma or chronic pulmonary disease you should not use Nicorette Inhalers.

If you have a jaw condition called TMJ disease, an overactive thyroid or diabetes you should tell your doctor before using Nicorette Inhalers.

Nicorette Inhalers may not be right for you if you have pheochromocytoma, or a tumor of the adrenal gland, liver or kidney disease or a stomach ulcer. Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions before using Nicorette Inhalers.

Tell your doctor if you have Type 1 Diabetes, as using Nicorette Inhalers can make your condition worse.

If you have a drug abuse problem currently or a history of drug dependency tell your doctor. A current or prior history of drug dependency may make you more likely to become dependent on Nicorette Inhalers.

You should keep Nicorette Inhalers out of reach of children and pets. A used nicotine inhaler can cause serious harm to children and pets. Call your poison control center if your child chews on or swallows a used Nicorette Inhaler cartridge.

Nicorette Inhalers Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• cold or allergy medication that contains phenylephrine (a decongestant)
• insulin
• labetalol (Normodyne or Trandate)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• oxazepam (Serax)
• olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• pentazocine (Talwin)
• prazosin (Minipress)
• propranolol (Inderal)
• theophylline (Theo-Dur or  Theochron)
• varenicline (Chantix)

Tell your doctor about all of the drugs you are taking before starting treatment with Nicorette Inhalers. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Nicorette Inhalers

You should use Nicorette Inhalers exactly as directed by your doctor. It is important that you do not use Nicorette Inhalers in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

Do not use Nicorette Inhalers for longer than a six month period of time. If you have stopped smoking after six months and are continuing to use Nicorette Inhalers the nicotine you are inhaling can be addictive and harmful.

Nicorette Inhalers need to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat. Cold temperatures, less than 16 degrees Celsius,  can decrease the amount of nicotine you inhale.

After each dosage you should wash the mouthpiece of the Nicorette Inhaler with soap and water.

If you miss a dose of the Nicorette Inhaler you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Nicorette Inhalers Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Nicorette Inhalers and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• fever with or without  chills
• heart rate that is irregular or fast
• shortness of breath with or without tightness in your chest, trouble breathing or wheezing
• symptoms and signs of an overdose including abdominal pain, cold sweats, confusion, disturbances of hearing and vision, drooling, extreme exhaustion, pale skin, slowed heartbeat, seizures or tremors

Less serious side effects of Nicorette Inhalers may include:

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• coughing
• heartburn
• indigestion
• mouth and throat irritation
• stuffy nose
• upset stomach

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Nicorette Inhalers. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Nicorette Inhalers Description and Dosing

Nicorette Inhalers consist of a mouthpiece and a plastic cartridge that delivers 4 mg of nicotine.

Your dosage of Nicorette Inhalers will be determined by your doctor depending on how much nicotine is needed to relieve your withdrawal symptoms. Typically the first 3-12 weeks of treatment include a higher dose of 6 to 12 cartridges a day. The dose is gradually decreased until you are using 1 to 2 cartridges a day. After six weeks you will likely stop using Nicorette Inhalers. The maximum dose is 12 cartridges per day. One cartridge contains enough Nicotine for approximately 20 minutes of continuous puffing.

The maximum dosage of Nicorette Inhalers is 12 cartridges per day, or 12 cartridges in a 24 hour period.

You must stop smoking completely when you begin using Nicorette Inhalers.

If you are unable to stop smoking by the fourth week of treatment with Nicorette Inhalers your doctor may advise you to stop using this medication.

You should not use any nicotine cessation products while using Nicorette Inhalers, including nicotine gum, patches, or any form of tobacco.

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Nicorette Inhalers you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Nicorette Inhalers

Nicorette Inhalers consist of a mouthpiece and a plastic cartridge that delivers 4 mg of nicotine. Other ingredients in Nicorette Inhalers are menthol and ethanol.

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