Nicotine (Into The Nose)

Nicotine (NIK-oh-teen)

Helps you quit smoking. Provides your body with nicotine to replace cigarettes.

Brand Name(s):

Nicotrol NS
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nicotine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should be used only in your nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it right away with plain water.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• When you first start using this medicine, use at least the smallest suggested number of sprays of medicine each day. This is important to keep cravings and withdrawal symptoms under control.
• If you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime the spray. To do this, hold a tissue or paper towel over the tip and pump the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray if you have not used the medicine for 24 hours or longer.
• Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils. Tilt your head back slightly and breathe through your mouth. Spray the medicine into each of your nostrils. Do not sniff, breathe in, or swallow while spraying. After using the spray, you may sniff gently if your nose runs. You can blow your nose after 2 or 3 minutes.
• Do not use the nasal spray more than 5 times in 1 hour or more than 40 times in 24 hours. Do not use this medicine for longer than 6 months.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If the spray bottle breaks or medicine leaks out of the bottle, wear rubber gloves to wipe up the spill. Wash the area of the spill completely because this medicine can be absorbed through your skin.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when you are not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Throw the used spray bottle away so that children or pets cannot get to it.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using insulin, asthma medicine (such as theophylline, albuterol, Serevent®), or medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline). Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use regularly. Your doses may need to be changed when you quit smoking.
• Do not smoke cigarettes or use any other kind of nicotine at all during the time you are using Nicotrol®. This includes chewing tobacco, nicotine patch, or nicotine gum. Tell your doctor about all other methods you are using to help you quit smoking.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart problems, blood circulation problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stomach ulcer, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems, pheochromocytoma (a tumor on the adrenal gland), or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with your lungs, nose, or sinuses, such as asthma, hay fever, sinus infections, polyps, or a cold.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• You will probably still want to smoke sometimes. Have a plan for coping with situations where you may be tempted to smoke. This medicine is only part of a complete program to quit smoking.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, sweating
• Seizures
• Severe headache, confusion, fainting, trouble seeing or hearing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea
• Numbness or burning in your nose, mouth, or throat
• Runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, sneezing, or cough

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.