Niquitin (Nicotine)

Niquitin is a nicotine replacement therapy that targets tobacco dependence and supports cessation efforts.

• Smoking cessation: reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms to aid quitting.
• Tobacco dependence: provides controlled nicotine to lessen dependence.
• Relapse prevention: helps maintain abstinence after quitting.

• Nicotine acts as an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system, stimulating dopamine release and mimicking the pharmacologic effects of tobacco‑derived nicotine. This activation alleviates withdrawal symptoms and reduces the urge to smoke by providing a controlled, lower‑dose nicotine exposure through the oromucosal route.

Common Side Effects

• Mouth irritation or soreness: mild discomfort at the site of administration.
• Nausea: transient feeling of queasiness.
• Hiccups: brief involuntary diaphragm contractions.
• Headache: mild to moderate tension.
• Dizziness: temporary light‑headedness.
• Altered taste: metallic or bitter sensation.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Elevated blood pressure: significant increase requiring medical attention.
• Cardiac arrhythmia: irregular heartbeat that may be serious.
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty.
• Mouth ulceration: deep sores that persist.
• Persistent vomiting: uncontrolled emesis needing evaluation.

Before using Niquitin, consider the following precautions.

• Assess cardiovascular status: evaluate blood pressure and heart disease history.
• Avoid recent myocardial infarction: contraindicated in the immediate post‑event period.
• Monitor hypertension: do not use in uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Pregnancy safety: unknown; consult a healthcare professional before use.
• Combine with other nicotine sources: avoid using multiple nicotine products simultaneously.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and heat.

Nicotine can interact with several drug classes, requiring attention to potential effects.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): may amplify hypertensive response.
• CYP2A6 inhibitors: can increase nicotine plasma levels.
• Other nicotine replacement products: risk of nicotine overdose.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): may enhance dizziness.
• Antihypertensive agents: nicotine may reduce their efficacy.
• Alcohol: may increase nausea and dizziness.