Nicorette Fruit & Mint Spray Buccal (Nicotine)

Nicotine, a nicotine replacement therapy, is used to manage nicotine withdrawal in smoking cessation.

• Smoking cessation: helps adult smokers reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms when quitting tobacco use.
• Tobacco dependence: provides a controlled nicotine dose to replace cigarette nicotine and support gradual reduction.
• Relapse prevention: assists individuals who have quit smoking to maintain abstinence by alleviating occasional urges.

• Nicotine in the buccal spray is absorbed through the oral mucosa, where it binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on neuronal cells. Activation of these receptors stimulates dopamine release in the mesolimbic pathway, reducing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with nicotine deprivation. The buccal delivery bypasses first‑pass metabolism, allowing rapid onset while delivering a lower, steadier plasma nicotine concentration compared with smoking.

Common and serious adverse reactions have been reported with nicotine buccal sprays.

Common Side Effects

• Mouth irritation: mild soreness or tingling in the oral cavity.
• Throat irritation: discomfort or scratchy feeling in the throat.
• Cough: transient coughing after spray administration.
• Nausea: occasional feeling of queasiness.
• Headache: mild to moderate headache.
• Dizziness: brief sensation of light‑headedness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction: rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe mouth ulceration: persistent ulcer or lesion in the oral mucosa.
• Increased blood pressure: notable rise in systolic or diastolic pressure.
• Cardiac arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythm observed in susceptible individuals.

When using Nicorette buccal spray, several precautions should be observed to ensure safe use.

• Assess cardiovascular status: avoid use in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or recent myocardial infarction.
• Evaluate pregnancy risk: do not initiate therapy in pregnant women without medical advice.
• Consider lactation: discontinue use if breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks.
• Follow prescribed frequency: do not exceed the number of sprays recommended by the prescriber.
• Monitor for dependence: assess for signs of nicotine overuse or addiction.
• Store at ambient temperature below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Nicotine may interact with other medicines; some combinations require avoidance while others need monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): concurrent use can increase risk of hypertensive crisis.
• Certain antidepressants (e.g., bupropion): combined use may raise seizure risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Caffeine: nicotine can enhance stimulant effects, leading to jitteriness.
• Alcohol: combined use may intensify nicotine’s cardiovascular effects.
• Antihypertensive agents: nicotine may reduce the efficacy of blood pressure medications.