Nicotinell

What is it?

Skin patches impregnated with nicotine at a concentration of 0.7mg per cm squared, in 3 sizes -10, 20 and 30cm2. Also, NICOTINELL GUM, fruit or mint-flavoured chewing gum containing 2mg and 4mg of nicotine.

Medical Uses

To replace nicotine as an aid to giving up smoking.

Dosage

Adults, patches, smoking more than 20 cigarettes daily, use one 30 square centimetre patch every 24 hours for 3 to 4 weeks, then reduce size of patch over next 3 to 4 week periods. Smoking less than 20 cigarettes each day, use one 20 square centimetre patch every 24 hours for 6 to 8 weeks, then one 10 square centimetre patch daily for next 3 to 4 weeks. In all cases, maximum period of treatment is 3 months. Patches should be adhered to clean, non-hairy area of skin on body or upper arm. Gum, chew one piece of gum slowly when there is a n urge to smoke, for half an hour to a maximum of 25 of 2mg , strength or 15 of 4mg strength. Maximum treatment period is 3 months and then use of gum should be gradually stopped.

Special Care

Liver or kidney disease, angina, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, overactive thyroid gland, cerebrovascular disease, stomach ulcer. Patients should not smoke while using the products and should carefully dispose of used patches.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breast- feeding, skin disorders, unstable angina, recent stroke, serious heart arrhythmias, people who smoke occasionally.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Warfarin, insulin, theophylline.

Known Side Effects

Dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, headache, local skin reactions with patches.

Manufacturer

Novartis Consumer.