Nicotine
Nicotine is a medication used primarily as a smoking cessation aid, available in various forms such as patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, and inhaler. It delivers controlled doses of nicotine to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings when someone stops smoking. The medication is typically used as part of a comprehensive quit plan that may include counseling and behavioral support.
Nicotine replacement therapy medication used to help people quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N07BA01
- RxNorm
- 7407
- Generic
- Nicotine
- Class
- atc-n07
- Brands
- Thrive, Habitrol, Nicorette, Nicotrol, Nicduic, Nicoderm C-Q, Nicorelief
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 2
- Onset (min)
- 20
- Duration (h)
- 4
- Routes
- oral, nasal, sublingual, transdermal, inhalation
- Forms
- chewing gum, lozenge, transdermal patch, nasal spray, oral inhaler, sublingual tablet
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan
- Monitoring
- heart rate, blood pressure, signs of nicotine toxicity
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 21mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not recommended
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 14mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks - nicotine can cause fetal harm
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue nicotine replacement therapy before third trimester if possible
fetal growth monitoring and uterine activity assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue
nicotine passes into breast milk - avoid during breastfeeding or pump and discard breast milk for 15 minutes after use
monitor infant for irritability, sleep disturbances, and feeding problems
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17not recommended
not recommended for adolescents - risk of nicotine dependence and adverse effects
monitor for signs of nicotine toxicity and dependence
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusstart with lower dose
use with caution due to increased cardiovascular sensitivity - start at lowest effective dose
monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiovascular status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentuse with caution
use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment - nicotine and metabolites are renally excreted
monitor renal function and adjust as needed
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution
use with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment - metabolism may be reduced
monitor liver function tests and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Nicotine replacement therapy products for smoking cessation
Drug class
Pharmacological classification for nicotine
Common uses
Therapeutic applications for nicotine products
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Used as a smoking cessation aid to help adults quit smoking by reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms. May also be used to temporarily reduce cigarette consumption in those not immediately ready to quit.
Delivers therapeutic doses of nicotine through oral, transdermal, or nasal routes to replace the nicotine previously obtained from tobacco, thereby reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
Should not be used by non-smokers or those under 18. Contraindicated in recent heart attack, severe heart rhythm problems, or during pregnancy unless directed by a physician. May cause side effects including headache, nausea, hiccups, and mouth irritation depending on formulation. Maximum treatment duration typically 12 weeks.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy