Nicotinell Fruit (Nicotine Polacrilex)

Nicotinell Fruit is a nicotine replacement product used within the smoking cessation pathway to aid adults who wish to stop using tobacco.

• Smoking cessation: helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, supporting a quit attempt.
• Nicotine dependence: provides a controlled nicotine dose to lessen the urge to smoke.
• Tobacco use disorder: assists in gradual reduction of cigarette consumption.

• Nicotine polacrilex releases nicotine through oral mucosal absorption, where it binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system. This receptor activation partially mimics the pharmacologic effects of cigarette‑derived nicotine, thereby decreasing withdrawal intensity and craving while allowing the user to taper nicotine exposure over time.

Nicotinell Fruit may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common Side Effects

• Mouth irritation: mild soreness or tingling in the oral cavity.
• Nausea: occasional upset stomach after lozenge use.
• Headache: mild to moderate headache during the initial days.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness, especially when standing quickly.
• Hiccups: brief episodes following lozenge dissolution.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain: unexpected thoracic discomfort that may signal cardiovascular stress.
• Severe mouth ulceration: persistent ulcer that does not heal within a few days.
• Arrhythmia: irregular heartbeat requiring medical evaluation.
• Anaphylaxis: rare, life‑threatening systemic allergic response.

Before using Nicotinell Fruit, consider the following safety measures.

• Cardiovascular assessment: patients with recent myocardial infarction should seek medical advice.
• Hypertension monitoring: avoid use if blood pressure is uncontrolled.
• Concomitant nicotine products: do not combine with other nicotine replacement therapies to prevent overdose.
• Pregnancy and lactation: discuss risks with a healthcare professional before use.
• Store at ambient temperature below 25°C: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Nicotinell Fruit can interact with other medicines; some interactions require avoidance, others close monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): increased risk of hypertensive crisis.
• Other nicotine replacement products: risk of nicotine toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Caffeine: may enhance stimulant effects, leading to jitteriness.
• Alcohol: can increase nicotine dependence and affect metabolism.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): monitor for heightened side‑effects such as nausea or headache.