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Smokers of less than 20 cigarettes
per day; irregular smoking pattern
Smokers of greater than 20 cigarettes per day; irregular
smoking pattern
Nicotine sublingual tablets are tablets containing a nicotine
complex. As the tablet dissolves in the mouth, nicotine
is released and absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
The levels of nicotine attained are similar to those of
the 2mg gum and have been shown to be effective in reducing
the craving for cigarettes and symptoms of withdrawal.
Nicotine sublingual tablets have the advantage that they
are very discreet to use, particularly in situations were
chewing gum may not be appropriate.
What types of nicotine sublingual
tablets are available?
Nicotine sublingual tablets are available as Nicorette™
Microtabs™ which contain 2mg of nicotine.
How to use nicotine sublingual
tablets
The tablet is placed under the tongue, where it
releases nicotine as it slowly dissolves away. The tablet
should not be swallowed, sucked or chewed. Those who smoke
less than 20 cigarettes per day should use one tablet
per hour (8-12 tablets per day), while those who smoke
greater than this amount should use two tablets per hour
(16-24 tablets per day). The full dose of microtabs should
be used for three months after which the dose should be
reduced gradually to zero and should not be used for longer
than 12 months.
Success rate of nicotine sublingual
tablets
Craving for cigarettes and withdrawal symptoms
of irritability and concentration difficulties are reported
in clinical studies to be reduced by about 50%. Two clinical
trials to evaluate the use of microtabs, found that 23%
and 17% of users no longer smoked, after 12 months, compared
to 15% and 10% respectively for the respective placebo
groups.
Cautions when using nicotine
sublingual tablets
Most frequent side effects reported with the use
of nicotine tablets generally reduce over time and include
irritation of the mouth, coughing, hiccups, and dizziness.
In some cases users find the taste unpleasant. 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.
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Chewing Gums
| Patches | Nasal
Sprays | Inhalers
| Lozenges | Sublingual
tablets | NRT
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