Effectiveness of Nicotine Gum or Lozenges: It’s Dosage & Side Effects

Smoking or using other nicotine products that include chewing tobacco, snuff, nasal spray, inhaler or patches is prohibited when using nicotine gum or lozenges.

The principal ingredient of tobacco products is Nicotine. The two medical products namely lozenges and nicotine gum are useful to put an end to smoking in adults.
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can be reduced effectively by taking a controlled level of nicotine gum or lozenges when quitting smoking.

Consult your pharmacist or doctor for using nicotine gum or lozenges if you have the following:

• Heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;
• Uncontrolled high (B.P) blood pressure;
• A food allergy;
• If you have had a heart attack recently;
• A record of seizures;
• Ulcer in stomach;
• Diabetes;
• If you take lower salt diet;

In case you are using any other medicines for termination of smoking like Zyban, bupropion or others.

Nicotine gum or lozenges is strictly prohibited when you are pregnant until your physician has advised you to do so. You need to use effective measures for birth control and inform your doctor in case you become pregnant during the treatment.

Nicotine gum or lozenges can harm a nursing child by passing through breast milk. Never use nicotine gum or lozenges in case you are breast feeding until your physician has advised you to do so.

If you smoke cigarettes during pregnancy, it may cause miscarriage, low birth weight or even birth. It is advisable to use a replacement product for the nicotine when breast-feeding or when pregnant as it may be safer than smoking. However, you must try to quit smoking without using a replacement product for nicotine in case you are breast-feeding or during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor regarding the best method for you to quit smoking.

Phenylalanine may be present in nicotine gum or lozenges. Inform your doctor in case you have PKU (phenylketonuria).

Do not give nicotine gum or lozenges to anyone below 18 years of age without any medical advice.

Nicotine gum or lozenges is just a portion of a larger treatment program which might also include group support, counseling & behavior changes. The success is dependent on your contribution in all stages of your smoking termination program.

Use nicotine gum or lozenges as how it is directed on the label exactly or as prescribed by your physician. Never use in smaller or larger quantity or for longer period than recommended. There is the patient instruction which comes along with this medication for safety as well as for its effective usage. Your nicotine gum or lozenges dosage is based on the number of cigarettes you smoked every day before smoking cessation. You need to follow the patient instructions and in case you have any queries consult your pharmacist or doctor immediately.

Do not smoke or use other products of nicotine like chewing tobacco, nasal spray, snuff, inhaler or patches. If you use numerous forms of nicotine collectively, it may prove dangerous.

Chew the Gum Slowly: You need to start chewing the nicotine gum slowly and end chewing if you feel the tingly sensation in your mouth. “Place” the nicotine gum b/w your gum and cheek & leave it there unless the tingly sensation has subsided. Again chew slowly for some more times till the returning of the tingling sensation. Now place the gum in another position in your mouth.

Stop Chewing: You need to remove the nicotine gum when your chewing does not cause the tingly sensation or after 30 minutes.

Handling Cravings- In case there is a very frequent or strong cravings, you need to start chewing a new piece of nicotine gum within an hour.

Caution: Do not take subsequent nicotine gums since it may cause side effects like heartburn, hiccups or nausea.

Best Results: In order to achieve the best results you need to use at least 9 gum pieces in a day during the initial 6 weeks of treatment. Never use above 24 gum pieces in a day.

Let the Lozenge Dissolve: You need to keep the lozenge in the mouth and let it dissolve gradually in 20 minutes without swallowing or chewing.

Place the lozenge in your mouth

Shift the Lozenge: Shift the lozenge from one side to the other side of your mouth till it has dissolved completely.

You might observe a tingly or warm feeling in your mouth.

Best Results: In order attain better results; you need to use a minimum of nine lozenges in a day during the initial 6 weeks of treatment. Avoid using above fix lozenges in six hours’ time (Twenty lozenges per day).

Caution: After the removal of the lozenge or gum, you need to wrap it in paper and throw it in a place which cannot be reached by children and pets.

Never use lozenges or nicotine gum for more than twelve weeks without your doctor’s advice.

Never use a piece of gum or lozenge at one time. Never use lozenges and gum simultaneously.

Store it at room temp. away from heat, light and moisture.

You need to keep both the unused and used lozenges and gum away from pets or children.

Standard Adult Dosage of Nicotine for Ending Smoking:

>100 lbs.:

Nicorette Gum: 4 milligrams piece every 1-2 hours for 6 weeks then 4 milligrams piece every 2-4 hours for 3 weeks, then 4 milligrams piece every 4-8 hours for 3 weeks. Do not take above 24 pieces per day. Slowly chew the gum for at least 30 minutes. You should not use the gum for more than 6 months.

Commit Lozenge: 2-4 milligrams lozenge every 1-2 hours in your mouth till it dissolves for around 20-30 minutes. You need to use the recommended amount which may be a minimum of 9 lozenges in a day for 6 weeks, then 2-4 milligrams lozenge every 2-4 hours through weeks 7-9. Reduce the dosage to one lozenge to every 4-8 hours at the beginning of 10th week. Never use above 20 lozenges/ day for use in a 12 week plan.

<100 lbs., light smokers, CV disease:

Nicorette Gum: 2 milligrams piece every 1-2 hours for 6 weeks, then 2 milligrams piece every 2-4 hours for 3 weeks, then 2 milligrams piece every 4-8 hours for 3 weeks. Do not take more than 24 pieces in a day. Chew the gum gradually for at least 30 minutes. Never use the gum above 6 months.

You need to get urgent medical help if you have any allergic reaction to nicotine gum or lozenges: breathing difficulty, hives, swelling of your lips, tongue, face or throat.

You need to stop using nicotine gum or lozenges and contact your doctor immediately if you have the following severe side effects of nicotine gum or lozenges:

• Fluttering in your chest, pounding or fast heartbeats;
• Problems with your jaw or teeth;
• Blisters inside your mouth;
• Problems with your teeth or jaw; or
• Tightness in your chest, wheezing, breathing trouble.

Common side effects of nicotine gum or lozenges may include the following

• Slight dizziness;
• Soreness in throat or mouth;
• Taste changes;
• Headache is also a side effect of nicotine gum or lozenges;
• Stomach upset, burping, dry mouth or hiccups.