Nicotine Patches for Smoking Cessation

Nicotine patches are a type of smoking cessation aid that deliver controlled doses of nicotine through the skin to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with quitting smoking. They are often part of a comprehensive quit-smoking program.
Category
Smoking cessation aid
Where to get
Available over-the-counter in pharmacies and drugstores
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Nicotine patches FAQ


Image credit: walmart.com

What is a nicotine patch?

A nicotine patch is a transdermal patch that releases nicotine into the body through the skin. It is used in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), a process for smoking cessation. Endorsed and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is considered one of the safer NRTs available for the treatment of tobacco use disorder .

Does a nicotine patch reduce smoking?

A smaller but more recent study in 2021 also found that daily use of the nicotine patch (or a combination of the patch and nicotine gum) resulted in a lower risk of daily smoking for participants. How does the patch compare to other NRTs and medication?

What is a 21 mg nicotine patch?

The 21 mg patch is usually recommended as a starting point for people who smoke a pack of 20 cigarettes or more daily. From there, the person steps down to lower dose patches following package instructions until the final step down to no patch (i.e., no nicotine) at all. The nicotine patch resembles a square beige or clear bandage.

How much nicotine is in a nicotine patch?

Tobacco products contain varying levels of nicotine. For example, traditional cigarettes contain 10–20 mg of nicotine, and about 1–2 mg of that is absorbed by your body when you smoke. Juul, the most popular brand of vape, contains 50 mg of nicotine. Nicotine patches typically come in three different dosage strengths: 21 mg, 14 mg, and 7 mg.

How many nicotine patches are in a TTS patch?

Step 2: Nicotinell TTS 20 Patches Each patch contains 35mg of nicotine and delivers 14mg of nicotine over 24 hours. Step 3: Nicotinell TTS 10 Patches Each patch contains 17.5mg of nicotine and releases 7mg of nicotine over 24 hours. 2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE NICOTINELL PATCHES

What are nicotine patches & how do they work?

Lung or throat problems (this only applies to the inhalator or the nasal spray). Nicotine patches provide a prolonged form of nicotine which helps to reduce craving over the course of a whole day. They are worn for 16 hours or for 24 hours each day. The 16-hour patches are removed at night, which helps to prevent any sleep disturbances.

Nicotine patches References

If you want to know more about Nicotine patches, consider exploring links below:

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