nicotine polacrilin at a glance
Medicine class
Nicotine replacement therapy
Form
Sugar-free medicated chewing gum that releases nicotine in the mouth
Best used with
Behavioural support for stopping smoking
What is nicotine polacrilin used for?
The selected product is licensed to relieve or prevent nicotine cravings and withdrawal associated with tobacco dependence.
Supporting a quit attempt
Reducing smoking before quitting
Providing an alternative when smoking cannot be avoided
How does nicotine polacrilin work?
Nicotine released from the gum is absorbed mainly through the lining of the mouth and activates nicotine receptors. It replaces some nicotine previously obtained from tobacco, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without tar and many other toxic products of tobacco smoke.
nicotine polacrilin preparations and strengths
Medicated chewing gum
Route: Oromucosal
Strengths: 2 mg, 4 mg
How to take nicotine polacrilin
Use the gum according to its packaging and professional advice.
Chew slowly until the taste becomes strong, then rest it between the cheek and gum.
Chew again when the taste fades and repeat until the gum is exhausted.
Avoid acidic drinks, such as coffee or fizzy drinks, shortly before use because they can reduce nicotine absorption.
Keep nicotine products out of children’s sight and reach; dispose of used gum carefully.
Dental appliances or jaw-joint problems may make another nicotine formulation more suitable.
nicotine polacrilin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Mouth or throat irritation, mouth discomfort or increased saliva
- Hiccups, nausea, indigestion, abdominal discomfort or vomiting
- Headache, dizziness or sleep disturbance
- Dry mouth, diarrhoea, constipation or wind
- Jaw-muscle ache
- Cough or throat pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling, hives, breathing difficulty or other signs of a severe allergic reaction
- Seizure
- Fast, irregular or markedly noticeable heartbeat
- Severe nicotine poisoning, including repeated vomiting, confusion, sweating, tremor or pronounced weakness
nicotine polacrilin in pregnancy
Stopping smoking is strongly recommended during pregnancy. If this cannot be achieved without nicotine replacement, gum may be considered because its risks are expected to be lower than continued smoking. Discuss the options with a midwife, pharmacist, stop-smoking adviser or prescriber.
nicotine polacrilin while breastfeeding
Nicotine passes into breast milk. The selected product information advises avoiding nicotine replacement if possible, but intermittent oral nicotine may be considered when stopping without it is unsuccessful. Discuss use with a pharmacist, health visitor, stop-smoking adviser or prescriber.
nicotine polacrilin interactions
No definite clinically important medicine interactions with nicotine replacement have been established, but stopping tobacco smoking can alter the handling of some medicines.
Adenosine
Nicotine may enhance its cardiovascular effects.
Clozapine and olanzapine
Stopping or substantially reducing smoking can increase exposure and adverse effects; review and monitoring may be needed.
Theophylline
Changes in smoking status can substantially alter exposure and may require specialist review and blood-level monitoring.
Common questions about nicotine polacrilin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does the gum contain tobacco?
No. It supplies nicotine without tobacco smoke, tar or carbon monoxide.
Why is it chewed differently from ordinary gum?
Slow chewing followed by resting it against the cheek allows nicotine absorption through the mouth and reduces swallowing, hiccups and indigestion.
Can it damage dentures or dental work?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.