International Primary Care Respiratory Group
 

Prescribing details for NRT formulations
Source: Molyneux A. Nicotine replacement therapy. BMJ 2004;328;454-456

Formulation    Dose    Use
Patch    16hr patch: 15, 10, or 5 mg;
24hr patch: 21, 14, or 7 mg
Apply one patch daily on clean, unbroken skin
Remove before bed (16hr patch) or next morning (24hr)
Apply new patch, to a fresh site
Gum    2 or 4 mg per piece Chew gum until taste is strong, then rest gum between gum and cheek
Chew again when taste has faded
Inhalator    10 mg per cartridge Inhale as required
Sublingual tablet 2 or 4 mg per piece Rest under tongue until dissolved
Lozenge    1, 2, or 4 mg per piece Place between gum and cheek and allow to dissolve
Nasal spray 10 mg/ml, 0.5 mg per spray One spray each nostril as required

     
Side effects for all formulations: sore throat, hiccups, indigestion, nausea, headache, palpitations (but without hiccups for the inhalator and plus itching, erythema, and rash for patches)

Smokers should be advised not to smoke while using NRT products