In early clinical trials, nicotine patch-treated subjects had about twice the success rate in stopping smoking by the end of treatment as did the patients treated with placebo. Studies show that 4 weeks of treatment with the patch at full dosage and 2 weeks at a reduced dosage is effective. The advantages of transdermal nicotine replacement include once-daily dosing and social acceptability. A skin rash from direct contact, one of the side effects, remains a problem for some patients. Rotating the application site may minimize local irritation.
Nicotine patches contain various doses of nicotine.
Although there are differences in the delivery membranes and blood nicotine levels between the four transdermal products, clinical implications of these differences have not been established. With use of the spray nicotine is rapidly absorbed across nasal membranes, creating an experience more like real smoking. Patients should use no more than five doses of nicotine spray per hour, and should use the product for only three months. The side effects of the nasal spray include local irritation and a runny nose. This site is intended for US healthcare professionals only.