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Nicotine Lozenges

(nik' oh teen)

Why is this medication prescribed?   Return to top

Nicotine lozenges are used to help people stop smoking. Nicotine lozenges are in a class of medications called smoking cessation aids. They work by providing nicotine to your body to decrease the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped and to reduce the urge to smoke.

How should this medicine be used?   Return to top

Nicotine comes as a lozenge to slowly dissolve in the mouth. It is usually taken according to the directions on the package, at least 15 minutes after eating or drinking. Follow the directions on your medicine package carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nicotine lozenges exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of them or take them more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning, you should use 4 mg nicotine lozenges. If you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up in the morning, you should use 2 mg nicotine lozenges.

For Weeks 1 to 6 of treatment, you should use one lozenge every 1 to 2 hours. Using at least nine lozenges per day will increase your chance of quitting. For Weeks 7 to 9, you should use one lozenge every 2 to 4 hours. For Weeks 10 to 12, you should use one lozenge every 4 to 8 hours.

Do not use more than five lozenges in 6 hours or more than 20 lozenges per day. Do not use more than one lozenge at a time or use one lozenge right after another. Using too many lozenges at a time or one after another can cause side effects such as hiccups, heartburn, and nausea.

To take the lozenge, place it in your mouth and allow it to slowly dissolve. Do not chew or swallow lozenges. Once in a while, use your tongue to move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other. It should take 20 to 30 minutes to dissolve. Do not eat while the lozenge is in your mouth.

Stop using nicotine lozenges after 12 weeks. If you still feel the need to use nicotine lozenges, talk to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine   Return to top

This medication may be used for other conditions; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?   Return to top

Before taking nicotine lozenges,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nicotine or any other medications.
• do not take nicotine lozenges if you are using any other nicotine smoking cessation aid, such as the nicotine patch, gum, inhaler, or nasal spray.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: non-nicotine smoking cessation aids, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or varenicline (Chantix), and medications for depression or asthma. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications once you stop smoking.
• tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had heart disease, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, a stomach ulcer, diabetes, or phenylketonuria (PKU, a inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent mental retardation).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nicotine lozenges, call your doctor.
• stop smoking completely. If you continue smoking while taking nicotine lozenges, you may have side effects.
• ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice and for written information to help you stop smoking. You are more likely to stop smoking during your treatment with nicotine lozenges if you get information and support from your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?   Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What side effects can this medication cause?   Return to top

Nicotine lozenges may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

• heartburn
• sore throat

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience either of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• mouth problems
• irregular or fast heartbeat

Nicotine lozenges may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?   Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). If you need to remove a lozenge, wrap it in paper and throw it away. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose   Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• weakness
• fast heartbeat

What other information should I know?   Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about nicotine lozenges.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names   Return to top

Last Reviewed - 09/01/2008

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2009. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

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