The Nicotrol Inhaler provides low levels of nicotine to diminish the effects of nicotine withdrawal that occur when a person quits smoking. Although it is called an inhaler, the medication does not deliver nicotine into the lungs in the way cigarettes do, according to the National Cancer Institute. Instead, the medication is absorbed into the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. People interested in using the Nicotrol Inhaler should talk to a doctor about its advantages and disadvantages.
Step 1
Talk to a doctor. Tell the doctor of any current medications you are taking and discuss your medical background to ensure that it is safe for you to take this medication, suggests Drugs.com. Also ask the doctor for recommendations or advice regarding how to use the medication before obtaining your prescription.
Step 2
Pick up the Nicotrol Inhaler from your doctor or pharmacy. Review the dosage instructions given by your doctor. Most patients begin taking one or two dosages of the medication per hour, with one dose equaling one spray in each nostril, but always abide by the specifics recommendations of your doctor.
Step 3
Unwrap the inhaler and insert the top of it into a nostril. Spray once, remove the inhaler and spray the medication into the other nostril.
Step 4
Repeat administration of the medication when necessary. The Nicotrol Inhaler prescribing information indicates most patients need to take a minimum of eight dosages per day for best results. It also notes some patients need to take the maximum of 40 doses per day, especially when nicotine withdrawal is at its peak.
Step 5
Watch for side effects. Common side effects of the inhaler that do not need to be reported to a doctor include irritation of the throat and mouth and coughing, according to the National Cancer Institute, but call a doctor if other side effects occur when using this product.
Step 6
Monitor your other symptoms. While the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and nicotine excess can be quite similar, the Nicotrol Inhaler prescribing information explains that nausea, palpitations and sweating are more often symptoms of nicotine excess, while anxiety, irritability and nervousness are more often associated with nicotine withdrawal. Always call a doctor if you have questions or concerns about your symptoms.
Step 7
Prepare to discontinue the medication. Plan to discontinue the medication after three months of use if the medication is successfully helping you avoid smoking, but discontinue the medication after four weeks if you remain smoking, according to the Nicotrol Inhaler prescribing information.
Step 8
Attend a follow-up appointment with your doctor, if necessary. If the Nicotrol Inhaler did not help you quit smoking or if you had unpleasant side effects while taking the medication, talk to a doctor about other smoking cessation methods that might prove more useful to you.
Tips and Warnings
- The Nicotrol Inhaler is encased in glass, so take care not to drop the medication. If a spill does occur, wash the area several times. Immediately rinse with water any area of the body that comes in direct contact with the medication. Throw away used bottles of the Nicotrol Inhaler with their child-resistant caps in place. Consider getting counseling or participating in a smoking cessation education program to maximize your chance of smoking cessation success. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a combination of medication, such as the Nicotrol Inhaler, and counseling typically provides better results than using the medication or counseling alone.
- It is possible to experience a nicotine overdose when using this medication improperly. Signs of nicotine poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, tremor, confusion, weakness, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and changes in vision or hearing. Respiratory failure, convulsions and even death can occur in extreme cases. Always follow a doctor's instructions when using this product and do not exceed the maximum recommended dosage levels to prevent a nicotine overdose from occurring.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription
