A nicotine lozenge is a

modified-release dosage Modified-release dosage is a mechanism that (in contrast to immediate-release dose (biochemistry), dosage) delivers a drug with a delay after its route of administration, administration (delayed-release dosage) or for a prolonged period of time (e ...

tablet (usually flavored) that contains a dose of

nicotine polacrilex Nicotine polacrilex is nicotine bound to an ion-exchange resin (polymethacrylic acid, such as Amberlite IRP64, Purolite C115HMR or Doshion P551). It is added to gums and hard lozenges used for nicotine replacement therapy in smoking cessation, parti ...

, which dissolves slowly in the mouth to release nicotine over the course of 20 to 30 minutes. Nicotine lozenges are intended to help individuals quit smoking and are generally an over-the-counter medication. Nicotine lozenges are commonly found in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths, although other strengths may be found. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the

mouth In animal anatomy, the mouth, also known as the oral cavity, or in Latin cavum oris, is the opening through which many animals take in food and issue vocal sounds. It is also the cavity lying at the upper end of the alimentary canal, bounded on ...

and enters the blood vessels. It is used as an aid in

nicotine replacement therapy Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a medically approved way to treat people with tobacco use disorder by taking nicotine through means other than tobacco. It is used to help with quitting smoking or stopping chewing tobacco. It increases the ...

(NRT), a process for

smoking cessation Smoking cessation, usually called quitting smoking or stopping smoking, is the process of discontinuing tobacco smoking. Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, which is addictive and can cause dependence. As a result, nicotine withdrawal often make ...

Side effects

* Nausea * Mouth irritation *Sore throat * Heartburn * Hiccups * Cravings for cigarettes * Restlessness * Difficulty concentrating

Drug interactions

There are few interactions between nicotine and prescription medications (e.g. adenosine, cimetidine, varenicline), but the act of quitting smoking can impact the effect of other medications. Some of the medications are: * Antipsychotic medications * Heart-related medications * Caffeine

Contraindications and precautions

Nicotine replacement therapy cannot be used in those with any type of nicotine sensitivity. Nicotine lozenge should not be used in those with soy allergies. Pregnant women or women who are breast feeding should speak with their health care providers and get their approval before using nicotine lozenges. Nicotine lozenge should be used in caution in those with the following: * Diabetes * Heart disease * Asthma * Stomach ulcers * A recent heart attack * High blood pressure * A history of irregular heartbeat *Mouth problems * Been prescribed another medication to help quit smoking

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms of nicotine overdose include the following: * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Dizziness * Irregular heartbeat

Storage and disposal

It is recommended that nicotine lozenges be kept in the original container, at room temperature and away from excessive heat or moisture. The container should be stored in a secure location away from children or pets. Unused lozenges should be taken to a medication take-back program or otherwise disposed of in accordance with applicable laws.

References

External links

Nicotine lozenge
entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms {{NCI-cancer-dict Smoking cessation