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For smokers of less than 20 cigarettes
per day, strong behavioural habit
Nicotine inhalers consist
of a mouthpiece into which menthol-flavoured nicotine
cartridge is placed. By puffing on the inhaler, nicotine
is absorbed via the lining of the mouth and not via the
lungs, and travels directly to the brain to reduce the
craving for nicotine. The inhaler is particularly suitable
for those who enjoy the ritual of smoking and the "hand
to mouth" action. When used correctly, the nicotine
inhaler provides about 30% of the nicotine provided by
a cigarette.
What types of nicotine inhalers
are available?
Currently there is only one brand of nicotine inhaler
available in Ireland (Nicorette™).
How to use nicotine inhaler
Place the nicotine cartridges into the mouthpiece.
The nicotine is released by either a shallow puff or a
deep inhalation. Cartridges usually last about 20 minutes
and can be smoked at intervals throughout the day. The
inhaled air has a menthol flavour. It is recommended to
use 6 -12 cartridges per day for the first 8 weeks of
treatment, gradually reducing to zero over the following
4 weeks.
Success rate of nicotine inhaler
Studies have found that using the inhaler as NRT
resulted in success rates of 11% to 29% after one year
of quitting smoking compared to a placebo of 5% to 18%.
The higher success rates were reported in groups that
used the inhaler regularly.
Cautions when using nicotine
inhaler
Those using nicotine inhalers have reported coughs,
rhinitis, and irritation of the mouth and throat, which
usually decline over time, while headache, heartburn and
nausea have also been reported. 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 any nicotine
product.
| Chewing Gums
| Patches | Nasal
Sprays | Inhalers |
Lozenges | Sublingual
tablets | NRT
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