Nicotine chewing gum

Nicotine gum is available in low (2mg) and high (4mg) strengths. Unlike regular chewing gum, nicotine gum should not be chewed continuously. Instead, a piece of gum should be chewed slowly until the taste becomes strong. Then it should be 'parked' between the cheek and the gum to allow the nicotine to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. When the taste fades, the gum should be chewed again. These stages can be repeated until there is no taste, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Examples: Nicorette Freshmint Gum, Nicorette Icy White Gum, Nicotinell Mint Gum.

Nicotine patches

Patches are available in two types €“ 24-hour patches, which are designed to be worn day and night, and 16-hour patches that should be applied first thing in the morning and removed at bedtime, which can be better for those who suffer from disturbed sleep. Examples: Nicotinell 24 Hour Patch, NiQuitin CQ Clear Patch, Nicorette Patch, Nicorette InvisiPatch.

Nicotine inhalators

A nicotine inhalator addresses both the physical and behavioural aspects of smoking addiction. Example: Nicorette Inhalator.

Inhalators are generally best suited to those who particularly miss the hand-to-mouth action of smoking. They consist of a mouthpiece containing a plug impregnated with 10mg nicotine. The nicotine vapour is inhaled either by shallow puffing or deeply inhaling, and the nicotine is absorbed through the mouth, rather than the lungs.

Nicotine sublingual tablets and lozenges

Nicotine sublingual tablets and lozenges release nicotine, which is then absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Sublingual tablets should be kept under the tongue, where they slowly dissolve. Lozenges should be sucked until they dissolve completely. Examples: Nicorette Microtab, Nicotinell Mint Lozenge, Niquitin CQ Mint Lozenge.

Nicotine sprays

An NRT nasal spray is a rapid way of relieving strong nicotine cravings. It is generally best suited for highly dependent smokers and those who experience strong cravings that require fast relief. Example: Nicorette Nasal Spray.

An NRT mouth spray is another alternative for customers, which can start to work in 60 seconds. Most smokers will need one to two sprays every 30 minutes to one hour to help manage cravings. Example: Nicorette QuickMist Mouthspray.