Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Reference Guide
Nicotine Inhalator
How it works
- A small plastic mouthpiece with replaceable cartridges.
- When you puff, nicotine vapour is released and absorbed through the lining of the mouth and throat.
- Helps mimic the hand-to-mouth action of smoking.
How to use
- Insert a nicotine cartridge into the inhalator.
- Puff on it slowly and frequently for about 20 minutes, do not inhale to lungs
- Use whenever cravings strike.
Dosage
- Most smokers use 3-4 cartridges per day.
- Maximum: 6 cartridges in 24 hours.
- Gradually reduce the number of cartridges over 8–12 weeks.
Flavours
- Commonly available in plain/original
Side effects
- Mouth or throat irritation.
- Hiccups or coughing at first.
- Rarely: nausea, dizziness, or headache.
- Use product less to reduce the number of side effects
Nicotine Patches
How it works
- A transdermal patch that delivers a steady level of nicotine through the skin over 16 or 24 hours.
- Look like square plasters and replace some of the nicotine you would get from a cigarette.
- Reduces background cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
How to use
- Apply one patch to clean, dry, hairless skin (upper arm, chest, or back).
- Press down for 20 seconds
- Do not place on broken or irritated skin
- Replace every 16–24 hours, depending on patch type.
- Use a different site each day to avoid skin irritation.
Dosage
- 7mg or 10mg patch – if you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day
- 14mg or 15mg patch – if you smoke 11-20 cigarettes a day
- 21mg or 25mg patch – if you smoke more than 20 cigarettes or smoke within 30 minutes of waking up
Flavours
Side effects
- Skin irritation (redness, itching).
- Tingling, numbness, swelling, pain and hives
- Sleep disturbance or vivid dreams (more common with 24-hour patches).
- Mild headache or dizziness.
Nicotine Lozenges
How it works
- Small tablets that dissolve slowly in the mouth.
- Nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
How to use
- Place in the mouth and allow to dissolve slowly (20–30 minutes).
- Do not chew or swallow.
- Move lozenge occasionally from one side of the mouth to the other.
Dosage
- Available in 2mg and 4mg strengths.
- Less than 20 cigarettes a day – 2mg.
- If you are smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day – 4mg.
- Use 1 lozenge every 1–2 hours.
- Maximum: 15 lozenges per day
Flavours
Side effects
- Sore mouth, throat, tongue irritation.
- Nausea.
- Hiccups.
- Stomach upset if swallowed.
Nicotine Chewing Gum
How it works
- Releases nicotine when chewed.
- Absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
How to use
- Chew until you taste a peppery flavour or tingling sensation
- “Park” between gum and cheek until flavour fades.
- Repeat chewing and parking for about 30 minutes every 1 -2 hours
Dosage
- Available in 2mg and 4mg strengths.
- If you smoke less than 20 cigarettes a day – 2mg.
- If you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day- 4mg.
- Use 10-15 pieces daily, as needed.
- Maximum: 15 pieces per day.
Flavours
- Fruit Fusion, Fresh Mint, Icy White, Original.
Side effects
- Jaw discomfort or soreness.
- Hiccups, indigestion.
- Throat or mouth irritation.
- Stomach upset
- Nausea, headaches
Nicotine Mouth Spray
How it works
- Delivers a fine mist of nicotine absorbed quickly through the lining of the mouth.
- Provides rapid relief from cravings (within about 60 seconds).
How to use
- Point the spray nozzle towards the inside of your cheek.
- Press to release one spray.
- Do not spray into throat or lips.
- Avoid eating or drinking immediately before/after use.
Dosage
- 1–2 sprays when cravings occur.
- Maximum: around 4 sprays per hour or 64 sprays per day
- Typically used for 6–12 weeks, gradually reducing frequency.
Flavours
Side effects
- Hiccups.
- Burning or tingling in the mouth or lips
- Throat irritation or cough, dry mouth
- Change of taste
- Indigestion, nausea
- Headache
