Nicotine

Class: Autonomic Drugs, Miscellaneous
- Smoking Deterrents
- Deterrents, Smoking
VA Class: AD900
Chemical Name: S-3-(1-Methyl-2-pyrrolid inyl)pyridine
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄N₂• x(C₁₀H₁₀•C₄H₆O₂)x
CAS Number: 54-11-5
Brands: Commit, Nicoderm CQ, Nicorette, Nicotrol Inhaler, Nicotrol NS

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 31, 2022. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Ganglionic (nicotinic) cholinergic-receptor agonist.

Uses for Nicotine

Smoking Cessation

Used for nicotine replacement therapy as a temporary adjunct in the cessation of cigarette smoking either unsupervised (self-medication) or in conjunction with a behavior modification program under clinician supervision.

Nicotine replacement therapy considered one of several first-line therapies by USPHS for treatment of tobacco dependence. For additional information, consult the most current USPHS clinical practice guideline available at [Web]

Nicotine replacement therapy provides alternative sources of nicotine that help reduce the withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine dependence. Chewing the resin complex-containing gum may act as a substitute oral activity in behavior modification.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been used to aid smoking cessation attempts; however, these products are not approved by FDA for this use and evidence is limited regarding their efficacy and safety. The role of ENDS relative to conventional nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation remains to be established.

Ulcerative Colitis

Transdermal nicotine has been used in the management of ulcerative colitis†.

Nicotine Dosage .