nicotine bitartrate dihydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Nicotine replacement therapy
Licensed role
Relieves nicotine withdrawal symptoms as an aid to stopping smoking
Administration
Suck the lozenge slowly, resting it between the gum and cheek when the taste becomes strong
Support
Counselling or behavioural support can improve the likelihood of stopping successfully
What is nicotine bitartrate dihydrate used for?
The selected product is licensed for nicotine-dependent smokers as an aid to smoking cessation.
Relief of cravings and other nicotine withdrawal symptoms while stopping smoking.
How does nicotine bitartrate dihydrate work?
Nicotine activates nicotinic receptors in the nervous system. The lozenge replaces some nicotine previously obtained from cigarettes, reducing withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke. Most nicotine is absorbed through the mouth lining, with a slower and lower peak than cigarette smoking.
nicotine bitartrate dihydrate preparations and strengths
Lozenge
Route: Oromucosal
Strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg
How to take nicotine bitartrate dihydrate
Follow the pack instructions or advice from a pharmacist or stop-smoking professional. The lozenge is intended to dissolve in the mouth, not to be chewed or swallowed whole.
Suck until the taste becomes strong, then rest it between the gum and cheek.
Resume sucking when the taste fades and repeat until dissolved.
Avoid acidic drinks, such as coffee or fizzy drinks, shortly before use because they can reduce nicotine absorption.
Keep nicotine products out of the sight and reach of children.
nicotine bitartrate dihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Throat or mouth irritation, cough or increased saliva
- Hiccups, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Headache or dizziness
- Dry mouth, constipation, diarrhoea or wind
- Difficulty sleeping
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty or other signs of severe allergy
- Fast, irregular or forceful heartbeat requiring prompt assessment
- Severe weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty, collapse or seizures suggesting nicotine poisoning
nicotine bitartrate dihydrate in pregnancy
Stopping smoking is strongly recommended during pregnancy. NRT is considered safer for the baby than continued smoking, but product choice should be discussed with a midwife, pharmacist, GP or specialist stop-smoking adviser. The selected product advises medically supervised smoking cessation and use only when expected benefit outweighs potential fetal risk.
nicotine bitartrate dihydrate while breastfeeding
Nicotine passes into breast milk. Exposure from NRT is lower than from smoking, and NRT is preferable to secondhand smoke exposure. Discuss oral NRT with a clinician or pharmacist; the selected product advises using a lozenge immediately after a feed rather than shortly before or during feeding.
nicotine bitartrate dihydrate interactions
Direct interactions with this nicotine lozenge are not established. However, stopping or restarting tobacco smoking can alter medicine concentrations because tobacco smoke—not nicotine—induces liver enzymes.
Clozapine
Stopping or reducing smoking can markedly increase exposure and toxicity risk; urgent specialist review and monitoring are required.
Theophylline
Stopping smoking can increase concentrations and toxicity risk; prescriber review and blood-level monitoring may be needed.
Olanzapine
Stopping smoking can increase adverse effects such as sedation, dizziness or low blood pressure; clinical review may be needed.
Common questions about nicotine bitartrate dihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is nicotine bitartrate dihydrate?
It is a salt form of nicotine used in this lozenge to provide nicotine replacement during smoking cessation.
Should the lozenge be chewed or swallowed?
No. It should be sucked slowly and moved between the gum and cheek until dissolved.
Can I smoke while using this lozenge?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.