| Search
Our HealthTip Databases
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
2mg gum
for smokers of less than 20 cigarettes per day; irregular
smoking pattern
4mg gum for smokers of greater than 20 cigarettes per
day; irregular smoking pattern
Nicotine chewing gums (Nicorette™, Nicotinell™)
look like ordinary chewing gums but also contain nicotine.
By chewing on the gum, the release of nicotine is activated.
The released nicotine is then absorbed through the mouth,
in the same manner as from a cigarette and travels directly
to the brain to produce the same effects as nicotine from
cigarettes. Steady levels of nicotine are produced in
the body when using nicotine gums, which reduce the urge
to smoke and the withdrawal symptoms of irritability,
restlessness, craving and hunger.
What types of nicotine gums are
available?
The 2mg strength gum is for those who smoke less
than 20 cigarettes per day. Those who smoke more than
20 cigarettes per day, or smoke very soon after waking,
or who have failed to quit using the 2mg gum, are recommended
to use the 4mg gum. Nicotine Gums are available in 2mg
and 4mg strengths and in citrus, mint, fruit and original
flavours
How to use nicotine gums.
To activate the gum, slowly chew it, (usually about
15 times) until the taste becomes strong, which means
the nicotine is being released. To ensure that the nicotine
continues to be released, park the gum between the cheek
and gum. Some users can feel a tingling sensation as the
nicotine releases. When the tingling sensation and/or
the strong taste begins to fade, the gum should be chewed
again. Each piece of gum should be chewed for about 20
to 30 minutes. If there is no further taste from the gum
a fresh piece should be used if required. Do not drink
any liquids during or prior to chewing as this can change
the acid/base balance of the saliva and prevent the absorption
of the nicotine.
10-15 pieces of gum should normally be used per
day. To ensure success in quitting smoking it is usually
recommended that the nicotine gum be used for at least
three months, thereafter slowly reducing the number of
pieces used per day. It is not recommended to use the
gum for longer than one year.
Over time it is recommended to reduce the amount
of nicotine gum used. This can be done by replacing ordinary
gum for a nicotine gum, increasing the delay during the
day before taking the first piece of gum or by cutting
the gum into a smaller size and adding ordinary gum to
get the right size.
Success rate of nicotine
gum
A large number of studies have been carried out
to measure the success of using nicotine gums. Twelve
months after quitting smoking using the nicotine gums,
success rates were found to vary between 3 and 48% while
the placebo rate was 2-37%. The higher success rates were
associated with those on the 4mg gum and those who used
at least 9 pieces of gum per day.
Cautions when using nicotine
gum
The most commonly reported problems associated
with gums include mouth and throat inflammations (including
mouth ulcers), sticking of the gum to dentures, stomach
upset, nausea, dizziness and headache. Those who are pregnant,
breast-feeding, who have diabetes mellitus; phaeochromocytoma,
kidney or liver problems, heart disease, peripheral vascular
disease; hyperthyroidism; history of gastritis and peptic
ulcers should consult their doctor before using nicotine
gums.
Long-term use, i.e. greater than 1 year, of the
gum has been reported in about 5-10% of users who would
appear to have transferred their use of cigarettes to
use of nicotine gums.
| Chewing Gums | Patches
| Nasal Sprays
| Inhalers |
Lozenges | Sublingual
tablets | NRT
references
|
|
|
|
|
|
