NiQuitin to quit smoking. Is it effective?

NiQuitin is used to relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. The active substance of the preparation is nicotine. It should not be administered to children and adolescents under 18 years of age and to non-smokers. The preparation is in the form of lozenges and is dispensed without a prescription.

Niquitin (GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare)

NiQuitin – indications and dosage

NiQuitin are lozenges that alleviate the withdrawal symptoms associated with weaning smoking after nicotine withdrawal.

Dosage of the preparation

NiQuitin is in the form of lozenges to be taken by mouth. They should be sucked for about 20-30 minutes. Smoking should be completely stopped during treatment with the preparation. NiQuitin 2 mg lozenges are recommended for people who smoke their first cigarette 30 minutes after waking up, 4 mg lozenges for people who smoke their first cigarette within 30 minutes after waking up.

1. 1 lozenge every 1-2 h for 6 weeks (at least 9 lozenges / d), then 1 lozenge every 2-4 h for 3 weeks, then 1 lozenge every 4-8 h for 3 weeks, for the next 12 weeks 1-2 lozenges / d only if you strongly want to smoke a cigarette.
2. Usually treatment does not last longer than 6 months. Do not use more than 15 lozenges / day.

NiQuitin and contraindications

Contraindications to treatment with NiQuitin are:

1. hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation,
2. fenyloketonuria,
3. unstable or worsening angina
4. dławica Prinzmetala,
5. severe heart rhythm disorders,
6. a recent heart attack or cerebrovascular accident,
7. use by children and adolescents up to 18 years of age and non-smokers.

NiQuitin – warnings

1. In the case of cardiovascular diseases (e.g. angina, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, vasoconstriction diseases, severe peripheral vascular diseases, cerebral circulation disorders; gastric or duodenal ulcer; hyperthyroidism; diabetes; pheochromocytoma; severe liver or kidney failure, be careful and see a doctor before taking NiQuitin.
2. The preparation may aggravate symptoms in patients with active esophagitis, inflammation of the mouth or throat, gastritis or peptic ulcer.
3. NiQuitin does not contain sugar, contains aspartame.
4. One tablet of the preparation contains 15 mg of sodium.
5. Women who are pregnant or planning to have children should try to quit smoking without replacement therapy. If this attempt is unsuccessful, see a doctor before using the preparation during pregnancy or while breastfeeding – the doctor will assess the risk-benefit ratio.
6. Nicotine (in any form) taken during pregnancy has a detrimental effect on both the mother and the baby.
7. There is no information on the effect of the preparation on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery.

NiQuitin with other medications

1. Inform your doctor about all medications you have recently taken, including those obtained without a prescription.
2. Quitting smoking with or without nicotine replacement therapy may be a reason to change the dosage of some medications you are taking.
3. Consult your doctor before using the preparation if you are taking drugs such as: imipramine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine (drugs used in depression); clozapine, olanzapine (medicines for schizophrenia); theophylline (a medicine used in bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchitis); flecainide; pentazocine, phenylbutazone, tacrine, caffeine, phenacetin, insulin, adrenergic blockers (prazosin, propranolol), drugs that activate adrenergic receptors (isoprenaline, salbutamol).

NiQuitin – side effects

Treatment with NiQuitin preparation may cause the following side effects: sleep disorders, nervousness, headache and dizziness, discomfort, tremors, increased appetite, blood clotting disorders and bleeding (gums, nosebleeds), shortness of breath, pharyngitis, cough, asthma, upper respiratory tract infections, nasal congestion, constipation, increased sweating, joint and / or muscle pain, flu-like symptoms, weakness, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, heartburn, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, oesophagitis, dry mouth mouth, toothache, jaw pain, erythema, hives, palpitations, fast heart beat.

Some of the symptoms listed above may be caused by stopping smoking.