A nicotine inhaler is a helpful smoking cessation aid for smokers who finally decide to part ways with an old habit--cigarette smoking. An inhaler is one form of nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, which gives your body nicotine in controlled amounts while protecting you against the more harmful aspects of smoking. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as of August 2010, the nicotine inhaler was sold under one trade name, Nicotrol, manufactured by Pfizer pharmaceutical company. The nicotine inhaler is designed to be used in two stages, says Drugs.Com, during which time use tapers off and then ceases.
Overall Use
Step 1
Commit to quit. According to Drugs.Com, to get the most out of the nicotine inhaler, you must genuinely want to stop smoking. Best results include incorporating the inhaler as part of a comprehensive "stop smoking" program that includes counseling, behavior modification and a support system.
Step 2
Use the inhaler as needed during the first stage of treatment. Drugs.Com indicates that this stage can last up to 12 weeks, During this time, quitting smokers use at least 6 but no more than 16 cartridges each day.
Step 3
Taper off during the second stage. For the next 6 to 12 weeks, gradually decrease your use of the nicotine inhaler. You may be able to stop using the inhaler abruptly, says Drugs.Com. However, it can be helpful to track your daily usage, plan out a reduction strategy or choose a date you plan to quit using the inhaler.
Step 4
Don't smoke. The Mayo Clinic cautions that if you continue to smoke cigarettes while you use the nicotine inhaler, you risk nicotine toxicity/overdose.
Specific Use
Step 1
See your doctor. Nicotrol is available only with a prescription. When you talk to your doctor about the nicotine inhaler, make sure to mention existing health conditions, such as asthma, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, drug use or kidney or liver disease.
Step 2
Use the inhaler only as your doctor directs. Nicotrol comes with a mouthpiece and 42 nicotine cartridges, says Drugs.Com. Puffing on each cartridge frequently for around 20 minutes gives you optimal benefits.
Step 3
Clean the mouthpiece after each use with soap and water. Keep the mouthpiece in its storage container, says Drugs.Com.
Step 4
Store and use the nicotine inhaler at room temperature--60 degrees Fahrenheit, not to exceed 77 degrees. The Mayo Clinic states that cold temperatures affect the amount of nicotine you inhale from the cartridge.
Tips and Warnings
- Nicotine replacement therapy reduces the severity of nicotine withdrawal, making symptoms such as fatigue, lack of focus, food cravings, irritability and sleeplessness less overwhelming for quitting smokers. Common side effects associated with nicotine inhaler use are gastrointestinal problems, such as burping, sour stomach, heartburn and indigestion; coughing, stuffy nose and irritation of the mouth and throat. Clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of Nicotrol indicate that of 223 healthy adults who smoked, 44 to 45 percent quit after 6 weeks; 31 to 32 percent quit after 3 months; and 20 to 21 percent quit after 6 months.
- Do not use the inhaler for more than 6 months, cautions the Mayo Clinic. The safety and effectiveness of using it for longer periods of time have not been assessed. Nicotine can be fatal to young children and pets--store your inhaler safely out of reach.
Things You'll Need
- Nicotine inhaler (Nicotrol)
