Nicorette Med Fruktsmak (Nicotine)

Nicotine gum is a nicotine replacement therapy that addresses tobacco dependence by providing controlled nicotine delivery.

• Smoking cessation: assists adult smokers in gradually reducing nicotine dependence and managing withdrawal symptoms.
• Tobacco dependence: provides a regulated nicotine dose to alleviate cravings during quit attempts.
• Relapse prevention: supports individuals who have recently quit by maintaining nicotine levels to deter relapse.
• Nicotine withdrawal management: reduces irritability, anxiety, and concentration difficulties associated with abrupt cessation.
• Adjunct to behavioral therapy: enhances the effectiveness of counseling and support programs for quitting smoking.

• Nicotine in the gum acts as a partial agonist at neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially the α4β2 subtype. By binding these receptors, it stimulates modest dopamine release, which mitigates withdrawal symptoms and cravings while preventing the full activation that occurs with tobacco smoke. This controlled receptor activity helps the user transition away from smoking with reduced physiological dependence.

Nicotine gum may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common Side Effects

• Mouth irritation or soreness
• Hiccups or throat irritation
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Increased salivation
• Jaw discomfort or muscle fatigue

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction (rash, swelling, itching)
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Severe hypertension
• Anaphylaxis
• Persistent mouth ulcers

When using nicotine gum, consider the following precautions to ensure safe and effective use.

• Assess nicotine dependence level: determine appropriate chewing frequency based on smoking history.
• Cardiovascular risk: avoid use immediately after recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina.
• Maximum chewing limit: do not exceed the recommended number of pieces per day.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if benefits outweigh potential risks, as safety data are limited.
• Age restriction: not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in original packaging, protect from moisture and heat.

Nicotine gum can interact with several medications; awareness of these interactions helps maintain safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): may potentiate hypertensive response to nicotine.
• Insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents: nicotine can affect glucose metabolism, requiring dose adjustments.
• Beta‑blockers: nicotine‑induced tachycardia may be masked, complicating cardiovascular monitoring.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Caffeine: combined use may increase jitteriness or palpitations.
• Alcohol: may enhance nicotine’s cardiovascular effects.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): may increase risk of nausea or headache.