Brand: Nicotrol NS
Generic: Nicotine
Nicotrol NS nasal spray is a potent parasympathomimetic alkaloid used to help in smoking cessation. This drug is absorbed in the nose and enters the blood stream.
This drug acts as a replacement for the nicotine that you would get from smoking which makes the withdrawal effects from smoking cessation less severe.
The amount of nicotine is tapered over time until it is stopped. This drug requires a prescription.
Before using Nicotrol NS, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.
Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of nicotine nasal spray have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. Serious unwanted effects in children have been reported with the use of small amounts of nicotine. No geriatric-specific problems in the elderly have been reported to date.
Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems.
Risks to fetuses have been reported in studies of pregnant women but this may be overweighed by the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease. Harmful infant effects have been reported in breastfeeding studies.
An alternative to this drug should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using this drug. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as Tegafur. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
To use Nicotrol NS properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. It is recommended to completely stop smoking before starting treatment with this drug.
Using any tobacco products is discouraged during therapy. You may experience serious unwanted effects from nicotine if you continue to smoke with the inhaler. It is recommended to use a stop-smoking program that may include education, counseling, and psychological support to make it easier for you to discontinue smoking.
This drug should only be administered nasally. Any contact on your skin, or in the mouth, eyes, or ears is not recommended.
Rinse the affected area immediately with water if the spray gets on these areas. The spray must be primed before using it the first time. A tissue or paper towel must be held over the tip.
The bottle must be pumped 6 to 8 times until drug sprays out. Prime the spray again by pumping 1 or 2 times after not using the drug for 24 hours or longer. The head must be tilted back slightly and breathing should be done through your mouth.
Spray once in each nostril. Sniffing, swallowing, or inhaling the spray is not recommended. If your nose runs after using the spray, sniff gently. You can blow your nose after 2 or 3 minutes. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.
The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults who want to stop smoking are initially advised to use 1 spray in each nostril. The dose may be repeated 1 to 4 times during the same hour if necessary.
Your healthcare professional may adjust the dose based on the number of cigarettes you smoke per day or based on how well you tolerate the drug. The dose must not exceed 40 mg per day. Your dose will be tapered before stopping it completely. Use in children is not recommended.
Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.
Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
If you take Nicotrol NS, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions. It is discouraged to smoke or use any tobacco products with the inhaler as it may cause serious unwanted effects from nicotine.
Call your healthcare professional immediately if you experience dizziness, headaches, an upset stomach, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweats, blurred vision, trouble hearing, confusion, fainting, or weakness.
Pregnant women should only use this drug as directed by a healthcare professional. Cigarette smoking can harm your child and it is recommended to stop smoking without using the drug. The risks to your child from this drug are not fully known.
Nicotine products must be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Small amounts of nicotine can cause serious unwanted effects in children, and a used spray bottle may contain enough nicotine to cause problems.
Contact your healthcare professional or poison control center at once if the spray bottle is touched by a child. Do not stop using the drug if your mouth or throat feels irritated during the first week of treatment with this drug.
You should be able to adjust to these effects with continued use of the inhaler. Check with your healthcare professional if the irritation does not get better after several weeks.
Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Nicotrol NS. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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