Description
Pfizer introduces the Nicorette Inhaler as an available smoke cessation alternative. The Nicorette Inhaler is an innovative nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), designed to help smokers quit smoking by reducing the urge to smoke while satisfying the hand-to-mouth ritual. Smokers who seek therapeutic assistance with the Nicorette Inhaler can double their chances of success, when compared to placebo.

The Nicorette* Inhaler is the only NRT that weans the smoker from the hand-to-mouth habit. The Nicorette* Inhaler consists of a mouthpiece and a cartridge containing a nicotine-impregnated plug. The smoker inhales through the mouthpiece, using either shallow or deep puffs.

The inhaled air contains nicotine, which is absorbed mainly through the mouth and throat, replacing a percentage of the nicotine that smokers would otherwise get from smoking. The inhaler releases less nicotine per puff than a cigarette; in this way, the withdrawal effects of not smoking are less severe. As the body adjusts to not smoking, Patients should then be weaned off the inhaler by gradually reducing the daily dose over six to 12 weeks.

Ingredients:
4 mg/dose, 10 mg/cartridge

Caution
Adults under 18 years of age and children should not use the Nicorette Inhaler. You should not use Nicorette Inhaler if you are a non-smoker. It is not for use by those who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, because of the potential risk to the foetus. Because nicotine passes into breast milk, the inhaler is not to be used by those who are breast-feeding. If you have recently had a stroke or heart attack, or suffer from heart disease, including palpitations and uncontrolled angina, then you should not use the Nicorette Inhaler. The inhaler is not suitable for use by people who are allergic to nicotine or sensitive to menthol.

You are not to continue to smoke while using the Nicorette Inhaler. Doing so carries a slight risk of an overdose of nicotine, or even poisoning. Symptoms of a nicotine overdose include nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, an irregular pulse or abdominal pain.

The Nicorette Inhaler should be used with caution if you have asthma or chronic throat diseases. Caution should also be taken if you have gastritis, duodenal or gastric ulcers because of the effects that nicotine can have on the stomach. If you have an irregular heartbeat, hypertension, or peripheral vascular disease then caution is also required. This is because of the tendency of nicotine to increase blood pressure and impair the cardiovascular system by constricting the blood vessels. Using the Nicorette Inhaler may have a detrimental effect if you already suffer from kidney or liver disease. If you have hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma or diabetes, then caution is also advised. If you are taking other medications and you are unsure of what effect these will have when used in conjunction with the Nicorette Inhaler then you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.